Pets are generally allowed in council properties, but tenants need to ask permission if they want to keep an animal or animals. Although there will usually be no problem, there are some situations where we would not give permission. Please read ahead for more information.
Can I keep a pet in my council home?
You are normally allowed to keep pets in your council home, as long as they are well cared for and responsibly kept. The home must be suitable for their needs.
Do I need permission to keep a pet?
You should ask for permission at your housing office before you get a pet, and let them know how many and what breed they are. The housing office will need to know whether there are any animals in your house in case there is an emergency, such as a fire or a flood. We will not refuse permission unless there is a good reason, and we will explain that reason to you.
What types of council homes are unsuitable for pets?
Some properties are not suitable for keeping certain types of animals. You should not keep dogs, cats or any other animals which need outdoor exercise in homes where there is a communal entrance, such as flats and maisonettes, and some sheltered housing schemes. You should keep rabbits and guinea pigs in gardens, so a property without a private garden is not suitable. Communal gardens are not suitable for keeping pets.
What types of animals are allowed?
If your home is suitable, you may keep most domestic animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, rodents, fish, caged birds such as budgies and parrots, and reptiles such as lizards. You should keep pets securely where they cannot escape, and make sure all animals have enough room for exercise.
Guide dogs and other support dogs will always be allowed.
What types of animals are not allowed?
You must not keep any animal which is illegal. There are four breeds of dangerous dogs which are illegal – pit bull terriers, Japanese tosas, the Dogo Argentinos and the Fila Brasileiros. Cross breeds of these dogs are also illegal. If you keep any of these dogs, you could be prosecuted. Dogs of other breeds, such as rotweillers, are dangerous dogs if they have ever attacked a person in public. Keeping these is also illegal. You must not keep any wild animals, such as crocodiles, big cats, wolves etc. You must not keep any other animal which may be dangerous, such as a poisonous snake or a poisonous spider. Other animals which you must not keep in you council home include livestock, horses and poultry. If you want to keep pigeons, you must be a member of the Royal Racing Pigeon Society.
How many pets can I keep?
You should not keep more than two cats, dogs or rabbits. You may keep more small animals such as gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, fish, birds and reptiles as long as they are kept in tanks / cages which are big enough for them and they have enough room for exercise.
Can I breed animals in my council house?
You must not breed animals in your council home. Council houses are unsuitable for commercial breeding. All pets should be neutered to help reduce the number of unwanted animals. Small animals such as guinea pigs and gerbils can breed very quickly, so it is important to have them neutered early, or only keep pairs of the same sex.
What if I break any of these rules?
Your tenancy agreement says that if you keep pets, you must stick to the conditions of this Policy, and that you must keep your animals in a responsible manner. If you break any of these rules in this policy, or if you do not keep your animals in a responsible manner, we will be able to take action against you for breaching your tenancy agreement. This could include eviction from your home.