Portsmouth council considers more flexible pet rules for tenants
Proposed rules would replace blanket restrictions with individual assessments of residents’ pet applications
Council tenants in Portsmouth could find it easier to keep pets under new rules that would assess applications individually rather than impose blanket restrictions.
Portsmouth City Council is set to consider new rules for residents who want to keep pets in social housing.
The council’s cabinet member for housing and tackling homelessness Darren Sanders will be asked to approve the Portsmouth Homes Pet Policy on Wednesday, November 4.
The policy would assess pet applications on a case-by-case basis, rather than using blanket restrictions.
Decisions would consider the type and number of pets, whether the property was suitable, animal welfare and the impact on neighbours. Residents would receive written decisions and could appeal. Those given permission would sign a Pet Agreement.
The reports notes the policy “recognises the positive contribution pets can make to residents’ wellbeing, companionship and quality of life. It balances these benefits with responsible ownership, animal welfare, property suitability, safety, nuisance and the rights of neighbours.”
The rules would not give residents an automatic right to keep pets. Permission could be refused or withdrawn if there were concerns about safety, damage, nuisance or animal welfare.
The report says the previous approach could limit housing options for people with pets and delay rehousing.
Portsmouth Homes – which manages council housing across Portsmouth, Havant, Gosport, Fareham and Winchester – began reviewing its approach in November 2024. More than 550 residents responded to a survey, with further workshops and focus groups held to gather views.
The policy would cover its housing stock and some temporary accommodation, although separate agreements may apply in certain cases.
The service received an RSPCA PawPrints Housing Bronze Award in 2026 for its draft policy and approach to managing pets.
If approved, the policy would 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.
The report says the changes are expected to be delivered using existing housing budgets, with no significant extra costs.
The policy reflects wider changes in housing policy, including the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which introduces new rules for private landlords considering tenants’ requests to keep pets.