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The Tenancy Pet Policy applies to all Tenants, Permitted Occupiers, Tenant Guests, and anyone else in charge of a pet, where we, the landlord, have granted permission for a pet to be kept at a property. You must ensure that you, and the pet, follow all of the rules set out in this policy.

These rules are aimed at ensuring that the pet is well cared for, that pet nuisance does not disturb your neighbours, and that the pet does not damage the property or any common parts of the building.

Failure to follow the rules in this policy will be considered a breach of the tenancy agreement, and we may take action to prevent any further breach from occurring. This may include taking action to regain possession of the property from you.

Requests for further pets

• If we grant consent to allow a pet, it is for that specific pet only.

• You must not bring any additional pets into the property without requesting permission in writing and obtaining our consent. This includes allowing your pet to breed.

Caring for the pet

• You must ensure that the pet is well cared for, and you must look after them in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2006. This means you have a duty of care to provide a suitable environment and diet, provide them with regular exercise and ensure they have appropriate health care so they do not suffer.

• If you are away from the property, then you must not leave the pet in the property without arranging suitable care for them. For example, by boarding them in a cattery or kennel.

• Pets must be vaccinated and receive regular treatments for fleas and worms where appropriate.

• All cats and dogs, and any other appropriate pets, must be microchipped from an appropriate age.

• Wherever reasonable, pets must be neutered/spayed.

• If we believe that a pet is being mistreated or has been abandoned, then we may alert an appropriate animal welfare organisation or veterinary surgery to keep the pet safe.

Use of the property

• The pet must be kept in the property you have a sole tenancy for and must not be kept in the common/shared parts of the building. The common parts include any stairwells or other shared areas which you have a licence/permission to use.

• The pet must not damage the property or any communal parts of the building and, should it occur, you must inform us as soon as possible. The cost of repairing the damage will be charged to you.

• Any damage caused by the pet to your, or another tenant’s belongings, will be your responsibility.

• Except for caged animals and pets trained to use a litter tray, the pet must not foul in the property or the common parts, including any gardens. If it does occur, then you must remove any faeces immediately and dispose of it hygienically.

• Breeding the pet for commercial purposes is expressly prohibited.

• You must ensure the property, and any communal parts you share with other tenants, is kept clean and free of parasites.

• You must not make alterations to the property, including fitting cat flaps, without first obtaining our permission in writing.

Dogs

• A dog must not be left alone in the property for more than four hours at a time. You must ensure that the dog will not cause damage while left unsupervised.

• Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times in the communal/shared parts of the building.

• Dogs must not be allowed outside of the property without supervision.

Preventing nuisance

• You must not allow the pet to cause nuisance to the neighbours, other tenants in the building, the landlord, or anyone attending the property on behalf of the landlord.

• Nuisance includes, but is not limited to:

  • Roaming and unattended animals.

  • Pets fouling in neighbour(s) gardens, communal or shared areas.

  • Excessive noise.

  • Over-population of animals in a household.

  • Unpleasant odours.

  • Threatening or harmful behaviour, including aggression, aggression toward people, and aggression toward other animals. Aggression can include threat displays, lunging, growling, snarling, snapping, and biting.

• If the pet does commit a nuisance, we will notify you that the behaviour must stop. If it continues, then it will be considered a breach of the tenancy, which may lead to us seeking possession if necessary. We may also report the behaviour to a relevant authority for them to take action if necessary.

At the end of the tenancy

• You must ensure the property, and any common parts you share with our other tenants, is returned to us in the same condition it was let to you in. In particular, you must ensure that you have removed any pet odours, fleas, ticks, or animal hairs at the point you hand back possession of the property. 

If you keep, even temporarily, a pet without our permission, you will be breaking the terms of the tenancy agreement and we may apply to court to seek vacant possession of the property.