Pets
Many Community Housing tenants request that they be able to keep a pet. The Housing Network believes that this is usually a reasonable request and is willing to oblige, but certain conditions need to be met. These conditions are outlined in the Pet Agreement, as negotiated and signed by the tenant and The Housing Network.
Remember, one of the most common causes of neighbourhood complaints involves pets, and particularly barking and wandering dogs. If complaints are received about nuisance behaviour by a tenant’s pet, and the owner of the animal does not take reasonable steps to remedy the problem, local authorities such as the Council Ranger or RSPCA will be notified. If a pet causes damage to your rental property you are required to repair the damage or a Breach of Duty notice may be issued under the relevant section of the Residential Tenancies Act.
The appropriate authorities will be contacted immediately if a complaint is made of an urgent nature, which may include the following:
- a person has been attacked by an animal
- neglect of the animal has caused sanitation or health problems
- an animal is repeatedly wandering at large beyond the owner’s premises
- an animal appears to have been abandoned
- an animal appears to have been maltreated, harmed or neglected