But does this principle apply to landlords? That's what Arne in Cannes wants to know. He's found exactly the small apartment that suits him - and it's got a fairly large communal garden where his highland terrier Vidkun could take a discreet pee on occasion. Talking to the landlord, everything went well until Arne mentioned he had a dog. That, he was told, meant he wasn't a desirable tenant. Is this legal? 

No, it isn't. The loi Grailly (1970) states clearly that a prospective tenant can't be refused on the grounds that he or she has a pet. The only exceptions - usually concerning dogs - would be if the animal was likely to damage the premises or to disturb other residents. Refusal, for example, to allow in a Rottweiler would certainly get a court's backing. In my view, Arne should explain all this calmly to his potential landlord - and display Vidkun on his best behaviour.

From Reporter 107 - Feb/Mar 2005

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