Blanket ban on pets in Portsmouth social housing set to end

Blanket restrictions on pets in social housing across Portsmouth is set to come to an end – but residents will need to apply to keep one.

A new pets policy for the city’s social housing tenants has been approved, with residents warning there could be “uproar” if the council rejected the changes.

It comes as Portsmouth City Council has relaxed its pets policy for social housing tenants, in line with national legislation.

The new Portsmouth Homes pet policy recognises the benefits pets bring to people “while balancing responsible ownership, animal welfare and the rights of neighbours”.

The policy reflects the wider direction of the Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force in May this year.

The new rules that would assess applications individually rather than impose blanket restrictions.

The new policy was informed by consultation with colleagues, external organisations and residents, who provided 550 survey responses.

Officers clarified that: “The policy does not provide an unrestricted right to keep a pet, permission may be refused subject to conditions or withdrawn with good reason and supported evidence.”

Representatives of the residents’ consortium asked officers how the policy would balance the needs of pet owners and neighbours, particularly if a “neighbour has a grudge with somebody that has a pet”.

In response, officers clarified that the council would investigate any complaints about pet owners or pets. Even if there were breaches, it would work with the pet owner to reach a resolution, with enforcement reserved for exceptional cases.

They also outlined that each pet application would be considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the legal status of the pet, property types, the number and type of pets, and the property’s location.

Officers also clarified that the council would not ask pet owners for veterinary registrations.

Before making his decision, Councillor Darren Sanders asked the consortium whether he should approve the policy, to which they answered “definitely” and warned there could be “uproar” if he didn’t.

The cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness said: “When I first got this gig I was told three things, one always go to the seafarers service, two always go to the remembrance service and three, don’t touch the pets policy.

“I have spent years trying to avoid touching the pets policy.

“It’s only now, when we’ve got something that has the potential to work – I’ve touched it with a bargepole.

“I like it being on a case-by-case basis, not showing which vet you use.”

He added that assisted dogs can be “particularly valuable” to people with mental health issues which is “often overlooked”.

The council received an RSPCA PawPrints Housing Bronze Award in 2026 for its draft policy and approach to managing pets.

The policy will be published and shared with residents and staff. The council would review its impact within 12 months, looking at applications, appeals, complaints and enforcement action.