Selby housing pet policy

1.1 To provide a fair, balanced and sensitive framework for tenants on keeping pets in their home. We understand that pets play an important role in the wellbeing of our tenants, including emotional and physical health. Generally we will allow our tenants to keep pets where the property type is suitable, the tenancy agreement is complied with and the animal’s welfare is assured.

1.2 To create operational procedures that deliver consistent practice and decision making, allowing for a degree of flexibility when considering individual requests to keep pets that fall outside of this policy statement.

1.3 To acknowledge the disruption that uncontrolled and irresponsible pet ownership can have on animal welfare and on local communities. This policy therefore states what action we will take against tenants who do not have written permission to keep a pet, or where there is a breach to the policy. This includes causing injury to others, noise nuisance or smells, fouling, or pets damaging property.

2.1 We take a positive view about residents keeping many different animals as pets.

Examples of the type of pets we consider suitable include:

• domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents (such as rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters)
• budgerigars and other similar caged birds
• fish suitable to be kept in domestic aquariums
• fish in garden ponds
• non-poisonous insects, spiders, snakes and reptiles under two feet in length fully grown
• chickens but not cockerels

2.2 Generally we will not give permission to keep an exotic pet because of the difficulties in meeting their welfare needs.

3.1 As per our tenancy agreement, anyone wishing to keep a pet must ask permission from us first. This can be done by contacting housing tenant services or local neighbourhood officer. Permission, if granted, will always be in writing. Permission is not required for tenants to have a registered assistance dog (guide dog for example) but tenants must inform us.

3.2 Some overriding terms and conditions must be satisfied for us to grant permission to keep a pet. They are:

1. Unless agreed otherwise, no more than two domestic pets will be allowed in any one property (there may be properties where size and/or layout means that the number or type of pet permitted is reduced).
2. Any dog kept as a pet is not a breed prohibited by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (or any act that later replaces it).
3. The animal does not require a licence nor has a control order placed upon it.
4. The animal is not considered wild, dangerous, endangered or poisonous; or considered to be livestock including horses, ponies, fowl or game birds or similar; or animals covered by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 (or any act that later replaces it).
5. The pet will not be the subject of any breeding or business activity from the property.

3.3 Permission may also be refused where:

1. The tenant or another household member has any history of abandonment, cruelty, neglect or mistreatment of animals, or convictions for any offences under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991; or has been disqualified from keeping animals or a particular type of animal due to a conviction.
2. The tenant or another member of the household has previously left a pet behind when moving out of a property we own.
3. Evidence suggests that the tenant does not have the financial means to appropriately feed and / or care for their chosen pet(s).
4. The tenant or another member of the household has had tenancy enforcement action taken against them previously in relation to their ownership of pets in any social rented property.

3.4 There are certain properties where consent to pet ownership will not normally be given unless we are satisfied that the prospective owner will be able to care for the animal’s needs correctly and continuously. These are:

1. Flats and maisonettes that do not have direct access to outside space. In such cases these will be assessed on individual merit.
2. Sheltered flats, owing to the layout of the scheme.

3.5 In most instances tenants will not be given permission to have dogs in above ground floor flats or where they share communal areas with other residents.

4.1 All tenants seeking permission to keep a pet will be required to  sign our responsible dog / pet owner agreement (pdf / 236 KB). The conditions included within this agreement must be adhered to at all times whilst the agreement is active.

5.1 In all cases where we refuse permission to keep a pet, we will explain the reasons fully to the tenant in writing.

5.2 Permission will only be granted to keep the animals we specify and at the tenant’s current address. The tenant must ask for permission if they move to another property or wish to keep more or different animals.

5.3 If a tenant gets a pet without first seeking and being granted permission, they will be required to find an alternative permanent home for the animal if it falls outside the suitable animals listed in section two or they will be required to ask for retrospective pet permission and be shown to have complied with all relevant conditions in this policy. Failing this, the tenant may be required to find an alternative permanent home for the animal.

5.4 Permission once granted can be removed if a pet causes injury, nuisance or damage to others, or puts people’s health at risk. If a tenant fails to remove their pet when asked, we may class this as a breach of the tenancy agreement.

5.5 You must also get our permission in writing before you build any structures for keeping pets (for example, aviaries, external dog kennels, pigeon lofts and ponds).  

5.6 We will consider requests from tenants who wish to foster pets on behalf of animal charities (or to look after pets belonging to friends or family as a temporary measure) on the same basis as any other request for permission - in terms of numbers of animals, animal type and property type. Tenants should apply for permission in the same way and contact housing tenant services or local neighbourhood officer. They may also be expected to provide supporting information from a recognised charity.
  
 

6.1 We will investigate complaints about breaches of this policy or any issues that may arise from tenancy visits.

6.2 We will contact the tenant to discuss complaints and where possible a visit to the property will be made to establish further information.

6.3 If we believe a tenant is keeping a dog of an illegal type in their property, unless the dog is exempt, this is a criminal offence and the police will be made aware. Action can also be taken for breach of the tenancy agreement.

6.4 If the tenant is keeping their pet in any way that causes a nuisance, our tenancy management options include, but are not limited to:

1. Writing to the tenant to remind them of their responsibilities and explain the potential consequences of their actions.
2. Providing information from animal welfare charities on how to look after the pet.
3. Advising the tenant they must rehome the animal in a responsible manner within a given time period (support for this may be offered).
4. Taking action for anti-social behaviour or breaching the tenancy agreement (warning letters or mediation may be appropriate).
5. Issuing an injunction.
6. Undergoing proceedings to extend an introductory tenancy or demote a secure tenancy, or possession proceedings for a secure tenancy.
7. Reporting the matter to the RSPCA or police in cases of neglect or cruelty.

6.5 If a tenant moves out of, abandons or is evicted from one of our properties, and leaves a pet behind, this animal is considered 'property' in law and we will take action as with other items left in the property. Any costs we incur in dealing with the animals left behind will be recharged to the tenant.

7.1 In the event that a tenant is either refused permission to keep a pet or that permission is withdrawn at any point in their tenancy, they have a right to review. This should be in written form and lodged with the housing tenant services team within 21 days of the original decision.

7.2 A more senior officer will review the original decision and a written outcome will be provided to the tenant within 28 days of the review being received.

7.3 If the tenant remains unsatisfied with their review decision or with the review process generally, they should then look to our corporate complaints procedure.
 

8.1 Our tenants are responsible for visitors to their property and should not permit people to visit with pets if their property is not suitable, that is, it has a communal entrance such as a multi-story flat. The exception to this is visitors who have a recognised support dog from an approved agency.

8.2 Any pets visiting the property must not cause a nuisance while they are at the property and visitors are expected to comply with section four of this policy. 

9.1 Some tenants may become unable to care for their pet in accordance with the conditions set out in this policy. In such circumstances we will make every effort to work with the tenant to explore alternative options.

9.2 Ultimately however the pet’s welfare and the impact on neighbouring residents must be taken into account when deciding whether the tenant is able to keep their pet.

9.3 If it is decided to remove permissions under these circumstances, we recognise that assistance may be required in re-homing the pet.

10.1 We recognise that there will be many tenants that have acquired pets without seeking or obtaining the proper permission. Any tenant who wants to come forward and be granted permission, but who thinks their current circumstances do not comply with aspects of the policy, should speak to their neighbourhood officer as to whether any exceptions can be granted or agreements put in place.

11.1 This policy will be reviewed every three years unless required earlier through legislative or regulatory changes.