Pets Policy

Introduction and Aims

The Council recognises that pets can provide a range of benefits to their owners, including companionship and offering a means to make contact and socialise.  We want to encourage and support our residents to enjoy that companionship and to keep pets responsibly. 

It is important that pets are cared for properly, both for the pet’s wellbeing and the wellbeing of surrounding neighbours too.  This Policy is intended to provide a framework for healthy pet ownership that is beneficial to all residents.

This Policy sets out RBKC Housing Management’s (RBKCHM) standards for keeping pets and will clarify the Council’s general needs tenants’ and leaseholders’ responsibilities, to ensure pet ownership is sustainable and beneficial to all.

In some instances, certain properties/buildings may not be appropriate for pets such as cats and dogs and may be designated ‘pet free’.

We will review the details and circumstances on a case-by-case basis.

Conditions for keeping pets

RBKCHM will normally give permission for a pet, subject to the following conditions:

The resident completes and signs a Pets Agreement.

Tenants/Leaseholders are responsible for the behaviour of any pets owned by themselves or by anyone living with or visiting them. It is important that pets are supervised and kept under control, to not cause nuisance or annoyance to neighbours, visitors or RBKC staff/contractors.

• This includes fouling, noise (i.e. excessive barking) and unpleasant odours from pets, which should be cleaned up immediately from communal spaces and walkways.
• Animals should be accompanied in communal areas and outdoors unless the resident has a private garden.  Dogs should be kept on leads in communal areas and walkways.
• Dogs must not be allowed to roam or foul in play areas or sports grounds.  
• Dog owners must be mindful of volume/etiquette during early morning/late evening dog walks/exercise.

For the welfare of the animal, pets must not be left unattended for a period of time that will result in the owner being unable to meet its welfare needs, as defined under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (section 9).  The RSPCA encourages that dogs should not be left alone in a property for more than four hours.  We recognise this is not always possible for working families, so we strongly encourage that dogs are not left alone in a property for more than 10 hours.

It is important that dogs are kept on a short lead in common areas, shared gardens and grounds, and should not be left outside a resident’s property unaccompanied.

When RBKC staff/contractors visit a property, they may request that dogs be kept on a lead, preferably in a separate room from any meeting or works taking place.  If this is not possible then the meeting/visit/repair may not be able to take place.

If a resident becomes unable to take care of a pet (either temporarily or permanently) and alternative care has not been arranged, the Council may arrange for the removal of the animal, for which the resident may be recharged.  The Council may contact animal welfare charities where relevant.

Any outdoor accommodation/ hutches/ exercise structures must be no more than 2.5 metres high, as anything over this would be likely to unfairly affect neighbouring residents and would require planning permission.

To ensure the safety of residents, properties with fire doors (including communal areas) must not have cat flaps fitted.

Pet permission is not commonly granted in temporary accommodation, as a large percentage of temporary accommodation properties are leased from private landlords, who do not allow pets as part of the agreement.  Also, pets can complicate housing options and increase financial burden for the household.  We will review this on a case-by-case basis though, to see if we are able to accommodate them.

Residents are encouraged to contact RBKC Housing Management if they have any pet queries (both pet owners or residents with concerns about pets).

It is important that the number of pets kept is appropriate in relation to the size of property and location (i.e. not having lots of large animals in a small dwelling or if the resident lives in a higher-level flat, away from the ground floor, where a lift would be required to exit the building).

Applying for permission for pets

Residents, both new and existing, will need to write to RBKC Housing Management, requesting permission to keep a pet before acquiring it, specifying the number of animals (if more than one), clarifying the breed and providing a photo of the animal.  The pet permission form can be found in the appendix or requested from RBKC Housing Management.  This is also important so we are aware of pets in the property in the potential event of an emergency.

Residents must first obtain permission if “pet sitting” a dog or cat for more than 4 weeks.

Under government guidelines (new Standard Tenancy Agreement template) if RBKC as the landlord objects to an application for a pet, we would have to object in writing within 28 days of the written pet request and provide a sufficient clear reasoning (as specified in this policy) or the request will default to being accepted.

Neutering/spaying of cats and dogs is not a requirement for permission to be granted, however, we strongly encourage this.  

When assessing a request to keep pets, we will consider whether there have previously been complaints of anti-social behaviour/nuisance linked to the keeping of animals, the size and suitability of the property and the number of pets. 

It is important that a resident can comfortably manage the number of pets in the home.  If a pet gives birth and there are concerns about the number of animals in relation to the property, the Council may not give permission for the additional animals to remain in the home.

Assistance Dogs

We understand the importance of assistance dogs and fully support the need for these.  Permission for assistance dogs such as guide dogs for the blind or partially sighted, hearing dogs for deaf residents and dogs for disabled residents will always be given.  Owners of assistance dogs should still advise Housing Management of the dog’s existence in case of fire/flood, etc. Any concerns raised regarding behaviour and/or well-being of the dog would be dealt with in the same way as stated elsewhere in this policy.

Exotic pets

Although exotic pets will generally be allowed, poisonous animals may not be kept.  If the exotic pet you wish to keep is listed in the Schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 we will not give permission.

If the pet’s diet involves live animals (i.e. insects/mice) the resident must ensure those live animals are safely controlled, contained within the property and do not escape, as this could have a negative effect on neighbours. If there are concerns, the resident may be required to remove the pet(s) from the property and could incur additional costs if there is damage or pest infestation.

Reasons for refusing permission to keep a pet

Dogs listed by the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, any animal listed in the Schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, and any animal prohibited by any other law will not be permitted in the property.

If we give permission to keep a dog and later become aware that the Dangerous Dogs Act applies, permission to keep the pet will be withdrawn. 

Because of the location, style and infrastructure of RBKCHM properties, permission will not be granted for a resident to keep livestock or farm animals, for example sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, chickens, and ducks. This is not an exhaustive list.

Permission may not be granted for a resident to keep a pet if the Council believes the property or surrounding environment is unsuitable (i.e. if the building is deemed pet-free).  We will be clear with any resident of that building about the reasons for that decision if/when the resident applies for permission to keep a pet.

The Council will consider any history of pet ownership the resident may have. Permission may be refused where records show a previous history of neglect, cruelty or failure to keep a pet under control.

Breeding of dogs and professional dog services

RBKCHM does not permit breeding of dogs in any Housing Management properties, as it constitutes as running a business in your property, which is a breach of the tenancy agreement.

RBKCHM does not permit dog ‘day care’ at their properties, or other professional animal services, as this would constitute as running a business from your property and is likely to bring a higher volume of animals into communal spaces/etc.

Keeping pets in sheltered housing schemes

Pets may be allowed within certain sheltered housing schemes, but we will assess whether the pet is suitable for the scheme and who will care for it if the resident is unable to. 

Leaseholders

According to their lease, leaseholders must also obtain permission for pets and any pet must not cause nuisance or annoyance to other residents.  Failure to adhere to this requirement would be a breach of their lease conditions. 

Where the property is sublet it is still the responsibility of the leaseholder and they are required to ensure their tenants abide by all the conditions of the lease (including the policy regarding pets).

Any leaseholders with queries should contact the Neighbourhood Management Team.

Action regarding nuisance or unmanaged pets

If residents fail to keep their pets under control, including excessive noise nuisance and are in breach of their lease or tenancy agreement, or if a pet is not removed once permission is withdrawn, the Council may be forced to take further action.  This could include:

• Investigation under Antisocial Behaviour
• Injunction
• Loss of Tenancy or Forfeiture of Lease

If tenants are evicted as a result of breaching tenancy conditions, it could be determined that they have made themselves intentionally homeless.

If a member of staff, resident, contractor or visitor is bitten or injured by a pet this would be reported to the Police, HM Health & Safety and the Neighbourhoods Team.

Animals found in communal areas may be removed, with the owners required to pay a fee to recover their pet.  For information on removal fees and daily kennel fees, visit our animal warden Servcies webpage.

Dangerous and aggressive animals cannot be kept in Council properties.  If prohibited breeds of animals are identified they may be seized and legal action may be taken.

Where additional cleaning or repairs are required because of pets, this may be recharged to the resident.

Pets kept without permission

If a resident is found to be keeping pets without permission, they must apply for permission within two weeks.

Normally permission will be granted if it meets the criteria set out in this policy. Where permission is granted, the resident must agree to abide by the conditions set out within the Pets Agreement.

Where permission is refused, the resident must make arrangements for the permanent removal of the pet within two weeks.

Appeals

Appeals against any decisions involving pets can be made to the Head of Neighbourhood Management.  If the resident believes the case has not been handled appropriately they can raise a complaint via Housing Management’s Complaints Process.

Legislation

The Animal Welfare Act 2006 in England and Wales introduces a duty of care on any person keeping an animal to ensure that they look after it properly. This includes that the pet has a proper diet, protection from pain, suffering, injury and disease, and a suitable environment to live in, with or apart from other animals.

If residents have any questions about the care of their pet they should contact their vet or relevant organisations that may assist.

The Equality Act 2010 states that it is a legal requirement of this act that the landlord cannot discriminate against a disabled person, and this includes discrimination against a person with an ‘assistance dog’. Examples of assistance dogs can be: 

• guide dogs
• hearing dogs for people with sensory loss; 
• dogs to support people with disabilities; 
• and they must be allowed under the terms of his act.

The Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (DDA) prohibits ownership of certain breeds/types of dogs, including pit bull types. We will not give permission for any prohibited breed to be kept at council premises.

In the UK, it's against the law to own certain types of dog. These are the:

• Pit Bull Terrier
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• Fila Brasileiro

A licence, with stringent conditions, is also required to keep animals that are listed in the Schedule of the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. As advised previously, we will not give permission for any animal listed in the schedule to be kept at council premises.

As of April 2016, every dog owner in England is required to micro-chip their dog.  RBKC Housing Management will only give a tenant permission to keep a dog on the condition that it is micro chipped. A copy of the microchip registration form must be provided as proof.

To comply with current legislation dogs must also wear a collar and a tag with the owner’s name and address when in any public areas. This requirement applies even if your dog is micro-chipped.

Pets must not be left unattended for a period of time that will result in the owner being unable to meet its welfare needs as defined under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 (section 9).

Related Documents

•    Housing Management Complaints Policy
•    HM Tenant Handbook
•    HM Tenancy Agreement
•    HM Lease Agreement
•    Pet Permission Form
•    Antisocial Behaviour Policy
•    Antisocial Behaviour Procedure

Equalities Statement

The Council is committed to promoting fair and equal access to services and equal opportunities in employment, the procurement of goods and as a community leader. The Council’s policies, procedures and day to day practices have been established to promote an environment which is free from unlawful and unfair discrimination, while valuing the diversity of all people.  
Discrimination on the grounds of race, nationality, ethnic origin, religion or belief, gender, marital status, sexuality, disability and age is not acceptable:  the Council will take action to ensure no person using the council’s premises or services receives less favourable treatment or is disadvantaged by requirements or conditions that cannot be justified.  The Council will tackle inequality, treat all people with dignity and respect and continue to work to improve services for all service users.

The UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018

As a directorate of RBKC, Housing Management shares the commitment to ensure that all data is:

• Processed lawfully, fairly and in a transparent manner
• Collected for a specific and legitimate purpose and not used for anything other than this stated purpose, or as provided for in our privacy and fair processing notices
• Relevant and limited to whatever the requirements are for which the data is processed
• Accurate, and where necessary, kept up to date.  Any identified inaccuracies will be amended or removed without undue delay
• Stored for as long as required, as specified within RBKC’s Records Retention policy
• Secured with appropriate solutions, which protect the data against unauthorised or unlawful processing and accidental loss, destruction or damage.

For further information about the Council’s commitment to relevant data protection legislation, please see the Council’s website

Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed in conjunction with the policy every three years, or when legislative or regulatory changes take place that could affect it.  The next review will take place by: December 2025.