Pet Policy for Council Tenants

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Consultation has concluded

Why have we created a Pet Policy for Council Tenant?

Keeping pets was previously included in the Estate Management Policy, which is now out of date and needs updating.

Since the Estate Management Policy was last reviewed, there have been changes in law and in how housing services are delivered. Feedback identified that the size and complexity of the existing policy reduced its clarity and ease of use.

To improve understanding, we have separated the Estate Management Policy and created two new standalone policies:

  • Permissions Policy
  • Pet Policy for Council Tenants

Changes in housing law

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces enhanced rights for tenants in relation to keeping pets. It gives Scottish secure tenants the right to keep a pet with the landlord’s written permission, which must not be unreasonably withheld.

What is the purpose of the Pet Policy for Council Tenants?

The Pet Policy for Council Tenants provides a clear framework for managing pets within council housing.

The policy:

  • establishes a consistent and transparent approach to granting permission;
  • defines what is a pet and identifies animals that are not allowed;
  • clarifies when permission is needed and when it is not (e.g. small pets kept in limited numbers);
  • sets out how applications will be assessed, including consideration of property type, pet suitability, and tenant history;
  • outlines expectations for responsible pet ownership; and
  • confirms that decisions will be made within one month and will not be unreasonably withheld.

It reflects changes in legislation, operational practice, good practice and regulatory requirements. The policy also sets out clearer standards, defined roles and responsibilities, and support more consistent, high quality services.


Why have we created a Pet Policy for Council Tenant?

Keeping pets was previously included in the Estate Management Policy, which is now out of date and needs updating.

Since the Estate Management Policy was last reviewed, there have been changes in law and in how housing services are delivered. Feedback identified that the size and complexity of the existing policy reduced its clarity and ease of use.

To improve understanding, we have separated the Estate Management Policy and created two new standalone policies:

  • Permissions Policy
  • Pet Policy for Council Tenants

Changes in housing law

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces enhanced rights for tenants in relation to keeping pets. It gives Scottish secure tenants the right to keep a pet with the landlord’s written permission, which must not be unreasonably withheld.

What is the purpose of the Pet Policy for Council Tenants?

The Pet Policy for Council Tenants provides a clear framework for managing pets within council housing.

The policy:

  • establishes a consistent and transparent approach to granting permission;
  • defines what is a pet and identifies animals that are not allowed;
  • clarifies when permission is needed and when it is not (e.g. small pets kept in limited numbers);
  • sets out how applications will be assessed, including consideration of property type, pet suitability, and tenant history;
  • outlines expectations for responsible pet ownership; and
  • confirms that decisions will be made within one month and will not be unreasonably withheld.

It reflects changes in legislation, operational practice, good practice and regulatory requirements. The policy also sets out clearer standards, defined roles and responsibilities, and support more consistent, high quality services.


Consultation has concluded

  • What you told us and what we're doing

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    What we asked

    We asked tenants to review the draft policy, which explains how requests to keep pets will be considered and what we expect from responsible pet owners living in Council housing.

    What you said

    77 responses were received.

    • 69% supported the policy.
    • 91% found it easy to read and understand.

    People told us they were concerned about:

    • What would happen to pets they already own.
    • The proposed two-pet limit.
    • Animal welfare.
    • Rules about birds, fish and reptiles.
    • Restrictions on cat flaps.
    • Support animals and assistance dogs.

    What we did

    We listened to the feedback and made several changes to the policy.

    We:

    • Confirmed that existing pets will not normally be affected when the policy starts.
    • Clarified that tenants will not need to apply again for pets they already own.
    • Changed the proposed two-pet limit so requests for more than two pets can still be considered based on individual circumstances.
    • Made the policy more flexible for different types of pets, with a greater focus on animal welfare and property suitability.
    • Clarified that cat flap requests would not normally be approved but can still be considered on an individual basis in certain circumstances.
    • Strengthened information about assistance dogs, therapy dogs, support animals and reasonable adjustments.

    The new policy:

    • Provides a clear and consistent approach to pet ownership in Council housing.
    • Reflects new rights introduced through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.
    • Promotes responsible pet ownership.
    • Supports animal welfare.
    • Includes clearer information on assistance dogs, therapy dogs, support animals and how disability-related needs will be considered.
    • Balances the benefits of pet ownership with the needs of neighbours and communities, while helping to keep Council homes in good condition.
    • Sets out how pet-related concerns will be managed.

    Next steps

    The Pet Policy for Council Tenants was approved by elected members at the meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 10 September 2026. You can read the report presented to Committee here, which contains all of the feedback and responses to comments.

    The policy will take effect from 1 October 2026.

    We'll:

    • Update our procedures
    • Provide staff training and guidance
    • Update application forms and supporting information
    • Update tenant information
    • Share information through our website and Tenants' Voice newsletter

    The Pet Policy for Council Tenants will be published on our Housing Policies webpage

    What we asked

    We asked tenants to review the draft policy, which explains how requests to keep pets will be considered and what we expect from responsible pet owners living in Council housing.

    What you said

    77 responses were received.

    • 69% supported the policy.
    • 91% found it easy to read and understand.

    People told us they were concerned about:

    • What would happen to pets they already own.
    • The proposed two-pet limit.
    • Animal welfare.
    • Rules about birds, fish and reptiles.
    • Restrictions on cat flaps.
    • Support animals and assistance dogs.

    What we did

    We listened to the feedback and made several changes to the policy.

    We:

    • Confirmed that existing pets will not normally be affected when the policy starts.
    • Clarified that tenants will not need to apply again for pets they already own.
    • Changed the proposed two-pet limit so requests for more than two pets can still be considered based on individual circumstances.
    • Made the policy more flexible for different types of pets, with a greater focus on animal welfare and property suitability.
    • Clarified that cat flap requests would not normally be approved but can still be considered on an individual basis in certain circumstances.
    • Strengthened information about assistance dogs, therapy dogs, support animals and reasonable adjustments.

    The new policy:

    • Provides a clear and consistent approach to pet ownership in Council housing.
    • Reflects new rights introduced through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025.
    • Promotes responsible pet ownership.
    • Supports animal welfare.
    • Includes clearer information on assistance dogs, therapy dogs, support animals and how disability-related needs will be considered.
    • Balances the benefits of pet ownership with the needs of neighbours and communities, while helping to keep Council homes in good condition.
    • Sets out how pet-related concerns will be managed.

    Next steps

    The Pet Policy for Council Tenants was approved by elected members at the meeting of the Housing and Community Safety Committee on 10 September 2026. You can read the report presented to Committee here, which contains all of the feedback and responses to comments.

    The policy will take effect from 1 October 2026.

    We'll:

    • Update our procedures
    • Provide staff training and guidance
    • Update application forms and supporting information
    • Update tenant information
    • Share information through our website and Tenants' Voice newsletter

    The Pet Policy for Council Tenants will be published on our Housing Policies webpage

    Consultation has concluded