Pets in Flats
Derby Homes recognises that many people like pets but there are some people who don’t. Pets can be a great source of comfort to their owners, yet be a nuisance to others.
We find that these difference cause particular problems in flats and supported living accommodation where the design of the properties and the communal areas are not ideally suited for the keeping of pets.
You must always ask Derby Home’s permission to keep any pet in your flat before you get one.
This is really important as some of our flats have a ‘No Pets’ policy so always talk to you local housing staff and check first. We may have to take action against you if you obtain a pet and live in such a property.
We will refuse permission for any animal defined in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Dangerous wild Animal Act 1976.
We have some basic rules about keeping pets in flats that apply to certain kinds of animals:
Dogs or cats: permission will be granted if your flat is a ground floor flat with direct external access. Special consideration will be given if you need an assistance dog.
Caged birds: such as budgerigars, finches and canaries. Larger birds will have to be considered on an individual basis and we will have to be satisfied that all birds are kept in suitable conditions and are not a noise nuisance.
Small Mammals: such as rats, mice, gerbils and hamsters depending on the size of the property. You must make sure that these animals don’t breed and we will need to be satisfied that you have secure cages for them as loose rodents can seriously damage common electrical cabling in your block of flats.
Fish: such as goldfish, tropical and marine fish. Exotic fish such as piranhas are not suitable and we will expect the fish tank to be of suitable size for the fish.
Reptiles: Derby Homes will need to be certain that these are being kept in the right conditions.
In all cases, Derby Homes will seek specialised advice to ensure that the conditions you are intending to keep the pets in are suitable.
Please ask your local housing staff if you need further advice on keeping Pets in your flat.
