Pets

We allow pets in most of our properties with the exclusion of some Sheltered Housing schemes whereby tenants voted to not allow pets. This is regularly reviewed and is based on the majority vote from our tenants.

If you would like to have a pet within your home, then you must first request written permission from us, and we will consider the following when accessing the application.

· Number of pets within the property

· Style and Size of the property

· Condition of the property

· History of managing the tenancy

· Type and number of pets

· If the scheme allows pets

Written permission can be sent via email to [email protected], or can be sent via post or hand delivered to Housing Services, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT.

An application form will need to be completed detailing the full information relating to the pet – type of animal, breed, colour, microchip number, sex, age and whether the pet is neutered. Emergency contact details must also be given for someone else for us to contact in the case of an emergency. The application form details the ‘Pet Owner rules’ that must be adhered to below:

· To apply for separate permission to keep each and every pet In any Darlington Borough Council property.

· To keep my pet(s) in a responsible manner and provide proper care for it/them, including accessing pet training if necessary.

· To ensure that where appropriate, my pet wears a collar and identification tag and that it is micro-chipped for identification purposes.

· To ensure that my pet(s) are/ is not of a dangerous breed, allowed to roam or foul in communal areas or make excessive noise.

· To ensure that the pet is not left alone for long periods of time.

· To not allow breeding of my pet(s) or other people’s pets in my home.

· To update Housing Services of any changes in contact details for me or my emergency contact.

I understand that:

· I am responsible for cleaning up after my pet(s), and not allowing my pet(s) to foul in communal areas and gardens.

· I understand that any pet litter or waste must be immediately disposed of appropriately using sealed bags.

· That if my pet causes damage or infestation to a property belonging to Darlington Borough Council, that I will be recharged for the cost of repairing the damage/pest control.

· I am responsible for re-homing the pet if this is necessary and that Housing Services takes no responsibility for re-homing pets.

· If the terms of this agreement are broken that Housing Services will take action against me for breach of tenancy which may include Court action and/or rehoming of my pet(s).

· I am responsible for the behaviour of my pet(s).

· Permission for my pet(s) may be withdrawn by Housing Services, and this permission may be withdrawn if I fail to adhere to these rules

If permission is given, then a confirmation letter will be sent confirming we have given permission for a pet.

If permission is denied, then we will write to you to advise as to why permission has been refused.

You have the right to appeal the decision, if your application is refused. All appeals should be submitted in writing within 21 days of your notification letter. You should submit an appeal in writing to the Housing Tenancy Management, Town Hall, Feethams, Darlington, DL1 5QT. You should state your reasons why you feel that this decision is unjustified together with any other information you may wish to bring to our attention.

XL Bully Dogs

The Government has announced it is to add the XL Bully breed type dog to the list of those banned under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991.  This follows a concerning rise in attacks and fatalities which appear to be driven by XL Bullies. The new legislation applies in England and Wales.

From 1 February 2024 it will be a criminal offence and a breach of your tenancy agreement, to own an XL Bully in England and Wales unless the owner has a Certificate of Exemption.

For information on the new rules please visit www.gov.uk/guidance/prepare-for-the-ban-on-xl-bully-dogs [external link] and to apply for a certificate of exemption please visit www.gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-by-email-or-post-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog [external link].

If you have concerns about the continued illegal breeding of XL Bully breed types from 31 December 2023, please report to police on 101 or Darlington Borough Council’s Licensing Department [email protected] or 01325 405888.