Keeping a Pet

• Responsible pet owners have a duty of care to make sure that any pets they have are suitable for the type of property and that the needs of their pets are adequately provided for. Residents who are pet owners are therefore required to:
• adhere to the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 2006 in terms of meeting the care and wellbeing needs of their pets. This includes making sure that any pet has a suitable living environment with room to exercise, is kept securely so it can’t escape, and is provided with suitable food and fresh water;
• ensure that pets are protected from pain, suffering, injury and disease make proper arrangements to dispose of animal waste and not allow it to build up in the home or in any communal area;
• comply with any statutory or regulatory requirements for the breed, including but not limited to holding an exemption certificate, being muzzled and on a lead in any communal or public areas;
• not breed animals in the home or garden;
• arrange for their own pet insurance, microchipping and ensure vaccinations are up to date; and
• ensure the pet is properly cared for should they be absent from the home.

Residents are responsible for ensuring that pets in the household or belonging to visitors do not cause a nuisance to neighbours, including excessive noise, damage or disturbance.

We expect our residents to ensure that:

• pets do not cause a nuisance to neighbours or in the neighbourhood, particularly from excessive barking which is considered to be anti-social behaviour;
• pets are under control, muzzled if appropriate, and secured in another room when our staff or contractors are visiting. We reserve the right to refuse to attend or complete works if residents don’t comply with this request;
• dogs are kept on a lead (and muzzled if this is required by any local or national regulations) in communal areas and only use these areas to access or leave the property. Dogs are not allowed to enter children’s play areas;
• pets are not allowed to foul in public or communal areas. Any animal waste must be cleared and appropriately disposed of immediately;
• pets do not cause damage to the home or any property belonging to LRHA or neighbours or create an unhygienic living environment. Residents may be required to pay for the reasonable costs of cleaning or repair to LRHA’s property if this is necessary due to the actions of the animal;
• garden boundaries are kept secure to stop pets escaping;
• pets are not left unsupervised and are appropriately cared for should the resident be absent from the home for any substantial period of time;
• pets are rehoused if they are no longer able to look after them;
• rehouse pets if they have bred;
• alternative arrangements are made for pets should LRHA have to temporarily move residents from their home.

At the end of the tenancy or lease we encourage residents to treat the property for fleas or infestations if a pet has been kept there.

Where we are taking possession of the property, the resident is responsible for arranging a suitable home for their pet ahead of the eviction

Residents must not leave any animal in the property after the tenancy has ended. Should an animal be left, it would be considered to be abandoned. LRHA will serve a tort notice and work with other agencies to remove the animal. Any costs associated may be recharged.