Tenants Guide to Requesting and Keeping Pets
If you have been given permission to keep a pet at your property you are responsible to make sure that they are treated for fleas. If your pet gets fleas and these spread to a communal area you will be charged for any treatment, we have to have carried out to exterminate them.
Can I keep a pet in my rented home?
Tenants have the right to request a pet.
- My Blackpool Home will consider requests fairly
- Refusals will be provided with good reason
- You must ask permission before bringing a pet into your home
This does not mean you can get a pet without asking first.
How do I ask for permission to keep a pet?
You must ask in writing by email for letter.
Your request should include the following information: T
- The type of pet you are requesting to keep (cat, dog etc..)
- Breed, size and age
- Number of pets requested
- Whether the pet is house trained
- How the pet will be cared for (ie: walking, care when you are away from the property
- How the pet will be supervised during the day
- Any training, temperament or health information
You are asking for that specific pet. If you want another pet later, you must ask again.
How we will respond to your request
- My Blackpool Home will respond in writing to you within 28 days of receiving your request
- We may request further reasonable information If further information is requested, we will respond within 7 days of receiving it
- We will provide you with confirmation or reasonable reasons why your request has been refused
How Requests are Assessed
Each request will be assessed individually, taking into account:
- The size, type and number of pets
- The size, layout, and facilities of the property
- Any outdoor space or access to nearby open areas
- The impact on neighbours or safety restrictions
- The tenant’s ability to meet the animal’s welfare needs
No blanket bans apply, decisions will be reasonable and evidence based.
Assistance dogs and disability support animals
Assistance dogs are legally protected under the Equality Act 2010 and requests do not fall within this guidance. Therapy dogs are treated as pets for housing purposes and requests to keep a therapy dog must be done so in line with this guidance.
When consent maybe reasonably refused
Consent may be refused where it is reasonable to do so, including (but not limited to):
- The property is unsuitable for the size or welfare needs of the animal
- The animal is illegal or restricted under UK law
- The pet presents a demonstrable health or safety risk
- The number of animals requested would be excessive for the property
- There is a significant risk of serious nuisance that cannot be reasonably mitigated
All refusals will be provided in writing with clear reasons.
Your responsibilities as a pet owner
You Must:
- Look after the property prevent noise, smells or nuisance
- Repair or pay for any damage caused by your pet
- Take care of your pet and follow animal welfare rules
Pet related nuisance or breaches will be managed in line with the antisocial behaviour procedures. Where issues arise, we will:
- Provide advice and an opportunity to remedy the issue
- Require reasonable corrective action
- As a last resort, consider withdraw of pet permission or may take legal remedies available under tenancy law
