However, I was saddened to read that the association has clauses in its new tenancy agreement about not keeping animals in its properties (Inside Housing, 4 September 2009). I presume that this applies also to tenants in the association’s 39 sheltered housing schemes.
The Office of Fair Trading, in its guidance to housing associations about unfair terms in consumer contracts regulations believes such a clause to be unfair.

The guidance states: ‘Our objection is to blanket exclusions of pets without consideration of all the circumstances. Such a term has been considered unfair under comparable legislation in another EU member state because it could prevent a tenant keeping goldfish. We are unlikely to object to a term prohibiting the keeping of pets that could harm the property, affect subsequent tenants or be a nuisance to other residents.’

At Age Concern and Help the Aged, we are concerned about the effect such a blanket ban can have on an older person moving into sheltered housing. The body of scientific evidence regarding the physical, psychological and emotional benefits to older people of pet ownership is overwhelming, yet it is estimated that each year 140,000 pets are given up by older people moving into residential care or sheltered housing and 38,000 pets are needlessly euthanised, as a direct result of ‘no pets’ policies.

We recommend that housing associations and local authorities adopt responsible pet ownership policies, along the lines promoted by the Wandsworth Council and housing associations such as Anchor Trust.

Age Concern and Help the Aged has published good practice guidance on keeping pets in retirement housing on its website.

View the guidance at www.ageconcern.org.uk/ageconcern/aims_pets.asp

Pauline Vernon, national manager, information and advice services, Age Concern and Help the Aged

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