Pets in your home FAQs

This depends on what your tenancy agreement and any restrictive covenants say but generally speaking, the answer is yes. The reasons why we may refuse permission are set out in our pets and animals policy.

Yes, there are. It depends on the type of pet and also what type of property you live in. Information about this can be found in your tenancy agreement, any restrictive covenants and our pets and animals policy.

No. The keeping of livestock such as sheep, goats, pigs, horses, ducks and poultry, etc, is prohibited unless your tenancy agreement states that you can keep such animals.

You will need to submit a pet permission enquiry form.

It depends on the type of pet and also what type of property you live in. Information about this can be found in your tenancy agreement, any restrictive covenants and our pets and animals policy. Our staff also refer to our pets and animals guidance when advising you about this. If we do give permission then you will need to provide further details to us about the animal once you have acquired it.

This depends on what your tenancy agreement says but generally speaking, the answer is yes.

This depends on what your tenancy agreement says but generally speaking, the answer is yes.

This depends on what your tenancy agreement says but generally speaking, the answer is yes.

Yes, we will need to carry out a property inspection of your home before permitting you to have a pet, unless we have visited your property in the past 12 months and the condition of your home was satisfactory. We do not carry out spot checks once permission has been given.

Unfortunately, the answer is yes, you will.

You can find lots of advice on the internet but the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) is a good place to start.

This depends on what your tenancy agreement says but generally speaking, the answer is no if your front door opens onto a communal area such as a corridor. However, if you previously had permission to keep a pet in your flat you will be allowed to keep it.

It is likely that their tenancy began before we stopped customers in flats being able to keep dogs and cats so this rule did not apply to them at that time.

Unfortunately, no as we cannot discriminate between different types of cats.

Yes, but it depends on the type of property you live in. Each situation is considered on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, we will.

Yes. Every customer’s tenancy agreement contains clauses about pets or animals and nuisance. If we cannot resolve the issue amicably we may have to take legal action against your neighbour to stop the nuisance. However, the nuisance will have to be quite serious before such action is taken.

Yes. As this is classed as a nuisance, there are things we can do but we would encourage you to talk to your neighbour about it first.

No. As cats are roaming animals we do not consider them entering or messing in gardens to be a nuisance, so you will need to try and resolve any issues with your neighbour.

This is not allowed as the animal is not your pet.

Yes, but we don’t encourage it.

No.

You will need to ask for permission to keep them in the usual way and our decision will be based on the criteria that we apply to any request to keep a pet.

You should contact the RSPCA but also let us know as well as there may be associated tenancy issues such as poor property condition. The police and the council may also need to be aware as in some cases they may also want to take action against the pet’s owner.

Yes, as these are classed as alterations.

This depends on the animal and its welfare. You should seek advice by going onto the RSPCA’s website or getting advice from a vet.

No. We do not allow this for environmental reasons and because if you ever move to another property you will not be allowed to return to visit your pet’s grave. Instead, you should use a reputable pet and animal sanctuary to either bury your pet or scatter the ashes.

For customers who buried pets in their garden before our pets and animals policy came into effect, no action will be taken.

No this will not be necessary.

You will be liable for the cost of any repairs and could be sued for damages. It is also likely that you will also be in breach of your tenancy agreement.

This is generally speaking a good idea but it is your choice.

You should check this with your local authority.

This depends on the type of property you are moving to and its suitability for your pets.

You should make sure that you have someone available such as a relative, friend or neighbour who can care for your pet whilst you are away. If there is no-one who can help you you will need to find temporary accommodation for them to stay in such as kennels or a cattery. Pet sitting and pet boarding are other alternatives.

You should contact your local authority as some animals are protected by law.

There could be as some of our properties are subject to restrictive covenants. A covenant is a provision or promise contained in the legal title to a property that affects or limits its use.