An Edinburgh resident has spoken out over the 'nightmare' experience of flat hunting in the city.
Scotland's capital city is currently going through a brutal housing crisis and renters are feeling the pressure with high demand and low supply. This pressure can intensify when home hunters have pets and instantly the choice of accommodation is limited.
Kitty Cameron, 25, spoke to Edinburgh Live after a fruitless two-month search for somewhere to live with her two much-loved cats, Squid and Cous-Cous.
READ NEXT- Starstruck Edinburgh dry cleaners save Harry Styles from 'wardrobe malfunction'
An unfortunate change in circumstances means that Kitty needs to move out of her current flat in Leith and is "desperate" to find somewhere.
She said: "I've been trying to find somewhere else to live for the last two months and it's nearly impossible. I even look for room shares rather than a flat, but every person comes back and says their landlord doesn't allow pets.
"The vast majority of flats I have seen online do state 'no pets', if I state it, it limits me so much. For the tiny amount that do allow pets, the market is just so brutal right now that I can't even get a viewing. They go so quickly. I feel that I have been penalised for owning a pet.
"The rental market is an absolute nightmare out there at the moment. It's disgusting! A lot of places I've looked at are only looking for students or are getting turned into short-term lets. The prices are ridiculous too, I'm not on a huge wage so I don't make enough to live alone. I'm looking at moving in with complete strangers just to get out the flat.
The 25-year-old pawnbroker has grown up with cats and says that giving up her pets is never an option.
"It has crossed my mind, and it has been suggested by other people but I just don't think I can do that. I am medicated for depression and they help so much and keep the 'big sad' away. They're great to come home to, they keep me occupied and give me something to do."
Kitty is now calling on the Scottish Government to push forward plans to reform the rules for renters to make it easier for people with pets to rent.
Currently, tenants can keep pets as long as allowed in the tenancy agreement - but often it needs to be agreed with the landlord.
Citizens Advice Scotland adds: "If you are a private tenant you should normally seek the landlord’s permission because, even if you have a legal right to keep pets, the landlord may be able to find some other reason for evicting you if they do not approve. Keeping unauthorised pets could also lead the landlord to more closely scrutinise any damage at the end of the tenancy (for example, to carpets or furniture) to then withhold some of your tenancy deposit."
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “The Scottish Government recognises that pets are an important part of the family for many people and believe private tenants should be able to benefit from the experience of pet ownership, as is the case for most other households. Owning a pet comes with many benefits for health and wellbeing, which is why we have consulted on strengthening tenants’ rights to give greater flexibility to keep pets as part of our draft New Deal for Tenants.
“We have a shared policy commitment to introduce new rights based on that consultation and we are continuing to develop proposals to deliver on that commitment.”
READ NEXT-
Luxury Edinburgh hotel apologises to American tourist for 'horrendous' view
Edinburgh test tram on new track stuck for 'over 20 minutes' behind parked van
Edinburgh tourists alarmed after turning up at 'phantom' hotel for Harry Styles gig
Young Edinburgh patient diagnosed with 'extremely rare' life-threatening disorder
Edinburgh boy who can't sit, walk, talk or eat is refused place at special school
