Totally illegal for landlord to drop in unannounced.
The pets rule is so their house doesn't get fucked up by a dog chewing the bannister or shitting on the carpet to the extent that they need replacing. I think it's fair enough.

However, you should be able to argue the case for your caged animals as they will undoubtedly have very little effect on the condition of the property. You could also do what I did, and arrange an additional deposit amount for the animal. (Our landlord said no to our cat, but and extra £100 deposit soon put paid to that. We will also get it back as ther eis no damage.)
(Colonel Santiago Introduced surprised kitty to the world., Thu 29 Jan 2009, 14:56, Reply)