Habodel residents have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet, and Habodel will consider each request individually.
Pets requiring prior written consent include, but are not limited to, common pets such as cats and dogs. If there is any doubt or if requesting two or more pets, residents should check with us to confirm whether their specific pet/s requires permission.
For certain pets, formal written consent may not be required. Residents should check with us to confirm if they are unsure their pet qualifies. Examples of these kinds of pets include, but are not limited to:
Specific permission is not required for animals/pets that support residents living with a disability in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, however we will request evidence to support this concession.
Pets that cannot be kept in homes or gardens include, but are not limited to:
Residents must make sure that their pets and owners do not cause a nuisance, including but limited to:
We will also withdraw permissions where the owner is found to have:
We reserve our right to inspect homes where concerns have been raised with reasonable notice provided in line with tenancy agreement rights of action.
The type of home is also a consideration within reasonable permissions. Providing the above conditions are met, pets are generally acceptable in homes with private gardens or enclosed private yards.
Flats or maisonettes will require a consideration to the size of home, location and access for the pet.
In some blocks where we do not own the freehold, we are bound by the rules of the freeholder. Where the lease to the property has an absolute restriction on pets, consent will not be granted. Where a lease permits pets with permission, the resident must wait until Habodel has requested that consent. Where a fee is charged for that consent, the resident will be required to pay that fee, before the request is made.
Any cat or dog flaps (or similar devices) must not be installed without our prior consent as these can compromise the fire safety of a home. These are not permitted on doors that open onto shared areas. If a resident has installed a flap, they will be asked to remove it and reinstate the door at their own expense.
Residents should make a formal request in writing to our office or to our Home Management inbox (homemanagement@habodel.co.uk) with full details of their pet and demonstrating they are a responsible pet owner. We will respond within 28 days of receiving a written request from a resident, with a further 7 days if additional details are needed. This request should include:
Residents who have an approved request must provide any outstanding information from the above list (for example, details not available at the time of a new pet request) as soon as this becomes available.
Residents with pets prior to this policy’s implementation may be permitted to keep them at our discretion provided:
Existing pet owners may be required to sign a pet ownership agreement confirming ongoing compliance with this policy, however.
If consent is granted:
Whilst we hope that residents will look after their pets responsibly in line with our guidance, if we find that there is a breach and/or repeated breach of any of the above conditions, enforcement action will be taken. This may include:
If permission is withdrawn, the pet must be permanently removed from the home within 14 days. Where court action is necessary to enforce this requirement, the resident will be required to indemnify us for all costs and expenses incurred.
All complaints regarding pet-related decisions or enforcement of this policy will be handled in accordance with our Complaints procedure.
If we have serious health and safety concerns at any stage, we will ask that the resident removes their pet immediately and involve other agencies such as the RSPCA, Environmental Health, or the Police. If residents refuse, we will consider further legal action if needed.
Residents must not use animals for breeding purposes and must declare if a pet in their home has produced a litter, notifying us immediately.
In the event a kept animal/pet becomes restricted or banned under UK law, the resident must notify us immediately and apply/reapply for permission.
If a resident is unable or unwilling to continue caring for their pet, the resident must take appropriate rehoming arrangements. The onus is on the resident to ensure pet are not abandoned or left behind in Habodel homes inclusive of contacting any reputable rehoming organisations or individuals to assist in the ethical rehoming of pets. Where a pet is found to be abandoned in one of our homes, we will immediately refer the case to the RSPCA and/or any relevant authorities with any costs being recharged too the resident’s tenancy account where legally permissible.
We will work with a resident next of kin, executors or relevant authorities in the event of a resident’s death. Where no next of kin/executor can be identified, we reserve the right to contact animal welfare organisations (i.e. RSPCA) to safeguard the welfare of the pet.
It is the resident’s responsibility to arrange for the appropriate and lawful disposal of any deceased pet. This may include burial in a private garden (where permitted) or the use of either a veterinary or Local Authority services. Pets must not be buried in communal gardens, public spaces, or disposed of in household waste.
In cases where a deceased pet is discovered in a vacant home, we will arrange for a safe disposal and may seek to recover any incurred costs from the resident’s tenancy account.