Pet friendly homes
Our Independence Homes
Some of our Independence homes we feel are not suitable for pets, due to the nature of the accommodation and shared facilities.
In these properties, pets are not permitted in order to protect health and safety, maintain hygiene standards, and ensure the comfort and wellbeing of all residents.
Our Independence homes at the following locations are not suitable for any pets to be kept unless covered within the exceptions for Assistance Animals where this is agreed:
• Birthwaite, Windermere
• Edgecombe Court, Kendal – Not including surrounding properties with their own entrance and no shared facilities
• West Ing, Ambleside
If you live in any other Independence home, you may require permission from us to keep pets in your home.
What we allow:
You can have small pets without asking our permission.
Small pets include domestic hamsters, gerbils, mice, guinea pigs, and other small rodents. You’re also allowed to keep small fish in an indoor tank.
If you live in a home with its own entrance and private garden, you can keep up to two domestic animals without requiring permission from us.
What we do not allow:
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Dogs listed in Section 1 of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, unless an exemption applies (see 4.3.2).
- This includes XL Bully type dogs. We will only allow current residents to keep XL Bully type dogs if evidence can be presented that you are complying fully with current legislation. We will not allow any other requests to keep XL Bully type dogs.
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Any animal listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, including certain types of spiders, venomous snakes, and other species considered dangerous.
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Non-domestic animals such as sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, or horses.
You must get permission from us if you:
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Want more than 2 domestic animals in a home with its own entrance and private garden
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Live in a flat or maisonette
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Want to install dog or cat flaps
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Want to run a pet related business from your home e.g. pet sitting, dog walking or grooming
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Want to keep poultry or pigeons
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Want to keep snakes/spiders or other non-domestic animals which are not classed as dangerous animals.
When considering your request, we will look at the following when making our decision:
- The terms and conditions of your Tenancy Agreement
- Size and type of pet
- The suitability of your home, including
- Size and type of home
- Access to outside space
- Communal areas
- Your ability to care for the pet, including
- Medical limitations
- Previous proven issues relating to pet ownership
- Other proven tenancy breaches such as noise nuisance
- Whether it is a temporary arrangement e.g caring for an animal whilst a family member is on holiday or in hospital
If permission is refused, we will explain our decision to you.
If you feel we have refused your request unreasonably, you can appeal.
This will be reviewed by the Neighbourhood Manager, you will be notified of the decision following review.
Where we discover a pet is being kept without permission, this will be looked at retrospectively and permission will not be unreasonably withheld.
To request permission to keep a pet, please complete our form.
Our experienced and friendly Neighbourhoods Team will consider you request and are here to help and offer support in many areas.
Email:neighbourhoods@southlakeshousing.co.uk
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