Pets

Overview

Whether an animal can live at a property depends on the tenancy or licence, the legal landlord's policy, the type of accommodation and the effect on other residents, animal welfare and safety. This webpage is general guidance and does not vary a signed agreement or grant permission.

Do I need permission?

Check the legal landlord named in your tenancy or licence and ask that organisation for written permission before bringing a pet into the property. Your service team can help route the request, but only the authorised decision-maker can approve it.

What may be considered

• The agreement and property: restrictions in the tenancy or licence, shared areas, space, access and any lease or building rules.
• Other residents: allergies, phobias, noise, shared-living arrangements and the right of everyone to use their home safely.
• Animal welfare: the species, size, behaviour, exercise, veterinary care and the resident's plan for meeting the animal's needs.
• Care of the home: hygiene, damage, nuisance, supervision and any reasonable written conditions attached to an approval.
• Assistance animals: tell the landlord and support team if the request concerns an assistance animal or disability-related need. It must be considered under the applicable agreement and equality duties rather than treated automatically as an ordinary pet request.

Do not pay a deposit, fee or “pet rent” unless the legal landlord provides a lawful written basis for the charge. If permission is refused, ask for the reason and use the complaint route for the organisation that made the decision.