Domestic Pet Policy

We would like to give a huge thank you to those of you who took the time to read our new Domestic Pets Policy and provide us with feedback.  We usually only get a small handful of comments when we ask about taking part in policy consultations (other than our Allocations Policy) but on this occasion over 120 tenants provided us with their views, all which were gratefully received, and goes to show how important pets are to our communities.

Most of the feedback received was very positive and supportive of this new policy, however we do need to make a further addition to it.

New legislation has been introduced which states that from 1 August 2026, all tenants have the right to keep a pet with written permission from their landlord, and consent must not be reasonably withheld.  When we receive a request for permission to keep a pet, we will need to respond to you in writing within one month from when your application was received, and if we fail to do so, then it can be taken that we have consented to the request.  If we refuse your request, then you will have the right to appeal against any decision.

We are still waiting on further guidance from the Scottish Government regarding this new legislation and will update the new Domestic Pets Policy when this is received, before putting it to the ELHA Board for approval along with your feedback. 

We will be in touch with you again to let you know more about this and other changes that the new Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 brings in the near future.