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Original poster

Getting permission to keep dog

15 replies

kid · 03/06/2010 22:00

I am slightly worried about asking my HA for permission to get a dog. If we decide to get a rescue dog, I know we have to produce a letter from HA.

When I moved to this house, I already had a dog which they knew about and it wasn't a problem.
I then bought a puppy a couple of years after my other dog was pts.
Someone from the HA told me I should have asked for permission even though I already owned a dog when I became a tenant.

I have since had to log a complaint against that member of staff about something totally unrelated to having the dog but I can't help but think she would stand in my way of getting a dog. I believe she is who I have to write to.

I live in a house with a Small front and back garden. I am a good tenant, always pay rent on time and treat my property with respect and keep my children under control.

So, considering the above, are there any reasons that could they turn me down to get a dog? I forgot to add that I work, but the dog would not be at home all day on his own.

OP posts:

Vallhala · 03/06/2010 22:10

I can't see a reason to deny you (speaking as a former HA tenant). It's not as if you've had complaints about your dogs in the past, so you have a good record wrt the issue in hand.

Can you go above the HA officer's head and write directly to her boss or the head of housing, maybe explaining that you have a difficult relationship with her because of X, and that you don't want that to prejudice your request? Or call her boss ahead of writing and explain the situation and your concerns?

Chances are, if you're in an area whose HA covers a lot of properties your request could reasonably arrive on the desk of any of a number of people perhaps? (Dunno, you know the set-up, I don't!).

Original poster

kid · 03/06/2010 22:26

She is the so called community assistant and the complaint I made was upheld so she got told off (should have done her job in the first place!) they had to let her know who had complained so she could defend herself.

I don't see why they would say no. I'm just scared that if they do say no, then I'd never be able to own a dog

I saw the most perfect rescue dog for me, but it needs children over 10 and another dog in the home. He is gorgeous. Hmm, wonder if I could get 8yo DS to act like a dog? The dog is on prodogs and is called Prince, I love him.

I guess I should just email the HA, get the letter to them quickly and straight to Head Office instead of community assistant. I could pour my heart out, telling them what happened to our previos dogs and how much my kids need a dog!

Our surrogate dog is fantastic. We borrow her fir a couple of hours every day. She is absolutely fantastic, we played football with her today.

OP posts:

Vallhala · 03/06/2010 22:35

Hmmm... you could always try to talk Gladys at ProDogs round to adopting to a family with a child only 2 years younger than the age specified and ask her to find a friend for Prince to comply with the second requirement!!

I love the sound of your surrogate dog, bulldogs are adorable. Met a staffs x mastiff outside Tesco today (cross with the owner for leaving him as he could get stolen). Whilst everyone else was giving this beefy boy a wide birth I went up to say hello... next thing, I was on my knees cuddling him and being licked profusely.

Terrible things, these bull breeds.

Original poster

kid · 03/06/2010 22:46

I am only getting 1 dog, that's definate!
I am certain prince will make a perfect for somebody, he is adorable. 12 months old, already neutered and a cocker spaniel. Bit hairy but I guess they are hairy dogs. Moby's hair probably would have grown quite long as he got older.

Really should speak to DH about getting a dog, but I don't think either of us want to speak about it yet. I do know for a fact that if I want a dog, we can get a dog, that's what he said and that's all I need to hear

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Original poster

kid · 04/06/2010 00:23

I just sent them an email. I'm going to cry if they say no.

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beautifulgirls · 04/06/2010 10:55

Good luck kid. If they say no, then you need to ask for detailed reasons why they say no. If they were happy to have you as a dog owner when you moved in, they would have to provide a good reason now why they wouldn't let you do it again otherwise you can start claiming discrimination, especially if other people round you still have dogs. I doubt they would turn you down.

Original poster

kid · 04/06/2010 11:56

thanks beautifulgirls. I'm just nervous because I do want another dog at some point. Maybe after our holiday, maybe in the new year. Once I have written confirmation from the HA, I could get a dog as soon as I find a suitable one.

We are perfect potential dog owners, even if I do say so myself!
Its a shame I work as there is nothing I would prefer to do all day than to stay home playing with a dog or puppy. Unfortunately, that won't pay the bills. So, we will have to manage our time and share the care of the dog between us all.

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beautifulgirls · 04/06/2010 14:14

Let us know what they say then.....I have it all crossed for you.

Original poster

kid · 06/06/2010 22:04

Still no response. I know its been the weekend but thats not good enough, they should work 24/7!

I'm trying not to think about it too much, but its hard not to. Hurry up H.A, please

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Original poster

kid · 08/06/2010 12:22

I got an email...

They have forwarded it to my area manager who will be in touch asap.
I guess its good to have a response and I don't think its been sent to the community assistant.
I wonder how asap actually means?

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Original poster

kid · 10/06/2010 17:01

I received a letter from them today...

I have to request it in writing. I would have thought an email was the quickest way to do it, clearly not.

They did enclose the policy too which said they will reply within 10 working days. Just need to post the letter back to them asap.
I feel better that they won't refuse me. The grounds that they could refuse is if I have had a pet removed in the past for cruelty, if the property is unsuitable or if I have had any complaints about previously keeping a pet.

I am slightly nervous by the fact I have fallen out with a neighbour and the policy states that if complaints are made, they could remove the pet from me. I should be okay though as that neighbour also has a dog. I figure she wouldn't be so nasty to cause problems for me. Especially as her dog barks all day and no-one has ever complained!

I just have to patiently wait now for their response.

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Original poster

kid · 20/06/2010 00:24

I got a letter of the HA today. I knew it was from them as they stamp the envelope with their logo.
Unfortunately, the letter had nothing to with getting a dog, it was about service charges.
They should have replied by Monday 28th June, that's ages away!

OP posts:

Vallhala · 20/06/2010 00:28

Oh rollocks!

I'm sure it will be fine though, there's no sensible reason why they should refuse.

Original poster

kid · 20/06/2010 00:31

I know, that's what I keep telling myself. I had another look at the reasons why they would refuse and none of them apply to me.
The fact that I got moby without permission shouldn't be held against me as I failed to inform them that I ever had him!

It's my 12th wedding anniversary on Thursday, I wouldn't receiving the letter on that day!

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Original poster

kid · 22/06/2010 17:53

Got the letter, started another thread

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