Choosing a pet

The following types of pets are those we would normally be able to give permission for:

• Small birds that live in cages and only fly free inside the property
• Cats and dogs – up to a maximum of two cats or two dogs, or one cat and one dog (check our list of dogs that we don’t allow below)
• Fish – allowed in a tank that is under four feet long
• Domestic rodents – hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice and guinea pigs, which must be kept in suitable cages
• Rabbits
• Reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates – except those where a licence is required to own them.

We reserve the right to refuse permission for larger tropical reptile cages, tanks and terrariums that require significant additional heating, as these can potentially contribute to an electrical or fire safety risk.

The following animals are not allowed in NCHA properties:

• Weapon dogs and dogs specified in the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 (amended 2014). This includes those dogs that are cross-breeds with dogs specified in the Act. 
• Animals which should be licensed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. This includes certain types of venomous snake or spiders and various breeds of monkeys.
• Pigeons. In some cases, where neighbours have been consulted and expressed firm consent, this may be permitted, but consent can be withdrawn at any time.
• Farm animals – for example, sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, horses, donkeys, ducks or similar types of animals. Permission may be granted to keep chickens at a house provided they have appropriate facilities, care and welfare needs. Chicken feed must be stored securely as chicken feed can attract rats. Permission for cockerels will not be granted.

This applies to XL Bully dogs following the change in law. Customers who already had consent before this change won’t be asked to remove their dog if:

• There are no anti-social behaviour concerns caused by the dog’s actions.
• Customers comply with the law including getting a Certificate of Exemption to own an XL Bully dog.

Where there is an ongoing problem with pet ownership in the household or there has been a significant, unresolved problem in the past, permission to keep an animal will be refused.