Council Tenants Factsheet: keeping pets in your home

Pets can bring comfort, companionship, and wellbeing. This page explains exactly when you do not need permission, when you must request permission, and which pets are not allowed, based on your tenancy agreement with Tamworth Borough Council and national guidance.

When you do not need permission
As per your tenancy agreement with Tamworth Borough Council, you may keep the following pets without asking permission only if your home has both:

• a separate entrance, and
• a private garden

If your home meets those criteria, you may keep:

• Up to 2 dogs
• Up to 2 cats

If your home does not meet the criteria above, you cannot keep a dog without written permission. 
Other small domestic pets such as rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice, gerbils, caged birds and fish may be kept safely if they do not cause nuisance to neighbours and re kept securely in appropriate cages or other containers.
All pets must be safely kept and cause no nuisance. 

When you must ask permission
You must submit a written request if you want to keep:

• Any dog or cat in a property without a separate entrance and private garden
• Any additional pets beyond the allowed number
• Any exotic or unusual pets, including reptiles and specialist species
• Any pet not listed as automatically allowed

You may be asked for:

• Proof of required licences
• A welfare assessment (e.g., RSPCA for exotic pets)
• We will consider requests fairly, following Government expectations for clarity, fairness, reasons for refusal and consistent decision making. 

Pets that are never allowed
These animals cannot be kept under any circumstances:

• Livestock (horses, donkeys, goats, pigs, chickens, ducks, geese)
• Illegal or prohibited animals, including: 
  o    Species under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976
  o    Dogs banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (unless legally exempt)

Assistance Dogs
If you use a dog for sight, hearing or disability assistance, no permission is required.
Please still let us know for safety and building access reasons. 
How to Request Permission (if required)
Submit a simple written request including:

• Description including species, number, type, breed, size, and age of the pet and any relevant information (e.g. whether it is house trained)
• How you will care for it and prevent nuisance
• Any required licence (for exotics)
• Confirmation that you are the responsible pet owner and can meet the pet’s welfare needs
• Confirmation of your property layout (entrance & garden)

We will consider each request case-by-case.  You cannot assume that consent for one per applied to another. Each new pet required a new request.

Write or email: Tamworth Borough Council’s Estate Management Team on: 01827 709514 or email: estatemanagementteam@tamworth.gov.uk. Monday to Thursday 8.45am - 5.10pm and Friday 8.45am - 5.05pm. Phone lines are closed on national bank holidays.

We aim to respond in writing with a decision within 28 days. We may ask you for more information about the pet. If so, you must provide this before we can make a final decision. If you do not provide the additional information requested, your application may be closed.

When permission may be refused (reasons and review)
Permission cannot be refused without a fair and reasonable reason. Examples of reasonable refusal include:

• The property is too small or unsuitable for the specific pet.
• The pet is prohibited under law (e.g., Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976).

Refusals cannot be based on:

• A landlord or officer simply “not liking pets”
• Damage caused by previous tenants’ pets

If we refuse, we will write to explain the reasons and where appropriate signpost you to a how to request a review of this decision.

If permission is granted
If your request is approved:

• The agreement applies only to the specific pet described in your application. A new pet requires a new request.
• We cannot withdraw permission later unless there is a serious breach of responsibilities (e.g., persistent nuisance), permission can be reviewed and enforcement action may follow under your tenancy terms.

We aim to respond in writing with a decision within 28 days. We may ask you for more information about the pet. If so, you must provide this before we can make a final decision. If you do not provide the additional information requested, by the time specified; or request more time to respond your application may be closed.

Your Responsibilities (whether permission needed or not)
All pet owners must:

• Prevent nuisance (noise, fouling, odour) and keep your pet under control, in the home, garden and communal areas
• Ensure your pet does not damage your home, garden or communal shared areas; you are liable for repairs caused by pets.
• Keep pets securely and safely (e.g., appropriate cages/containers for small animals).
• Maintain good welfare and health; pets should be identifiable and kept in good health, including proper care, vet check-ups, and vaccinations.
• Follow any licensing requirements for certain animals and provide proof on request.
• Ensure your pet does not cause nuisance to neighbours, such as excessive noise, fouling, or aggressive behaviour.
• Keep your home, garden and communal areas clean, hygienic ensuring your clean up after your pets without delay.
• Follow all relevant animal welfare law.
• Ensure dogs are microchipped as required by law.
• Keep pets under control in communal areas at all times.

If your pet causes persistent problems or breaches the tenancy, you will be asked to take corrective action.

Persistent barking, failing to control pets, or causing alarm/annoyance can be treated as anti social behaviour- which may lead to action including injunctions or tenancy possession proceedings. 

Failure to meet these rules may result in action, including the requirement to remove the pet or tenancy enforcement.

What happens if you bring a pet without permission?
If you keep a pet without written consent, you may be in breach of your tenancy agreement. This could lead to you being required to remove the pet and could affect your tenancy status.

Want to Apply?
You can apply by contacting your Housing Officer: Contact Tamworth Borough Council’s Estate Management Team on 01827 709514 or email: estatemanagementteam@tamworth.gov.uk. Monday to Thursday 8.45am - 5.10pm and Friday 8.45am - 5.05pm. Phone lines are closed on national bank holidays.

We are committed to supporting responsible pet ownership and ensuring a safe, pleasant environment for all.

Download this factsheet (docx)