Keeping pets in your council home

If you live in a council home and want to keep a pet, you must get our permission first and follow the rules of pet ownership. These rules help make sure pets are suitable for your home and do not cause problems for your neighbours.

Before getting a pet

Before getting a pet, think about whether it is right for you and your home.

Consider:

• the cost of keeping a pet, including insurance, food and veterinary care
• how much exercise and care the pet will need
• any legal restrictions relating to dangerous animals and protected species

We will usually give permission if the pet:

• is suitable for the type of home
• does not cause a nuisance or disturbance to neighbours

How to apply for permission

Use our online form to apply for permission to keep a pet in your council home.

You will need:

• your name, address and contact details
• the type of property you live in
• details about the pet, such as type, breed, size

Apply to keep a pet in your council home

We will review your application and let you know our decision. We will:

• always approve assistance dogs for residents with disabilities
• usually approve pets that are suitable for your property
• not usually approve pets in flats or upper maisonettes (except assistance dogs)

Your responsibilities

If we give you permission, you must follow the rules of pet ownership. 

You must:

• be a responsible pet owner
• make sure your pet does not cause a nuisance or disturbance, such as continuous barking or aggressive behaviour
• prevent your pet from causing damage to property
• prevent your pet from fouling in communal or public areas
• make arrangements for your pet when you are away

We may withdraw permission if problems occur.

Specific rules

If you have a dog, you must:

• make sure it does not cause disturbances through barking or aggression
• keep it on a lead in communal areas and clean up after it
• prevent the dog from causing any damage to your home

If you keep chickens, you can keep up to 6 hens, but you must not keep a cockerel.

Building a structure for your pets

If you want to build a structure for your pets (like a pigeon loft or chicken coop), you must:

• consult your Area Housing Team first
• apply for written permission from us 
• apply for planning permission, if required

Do not start any work until you have all the necessary approvals.