Pet Policy
Mercian acknowledges the fact that keeping pets can offer significant benefits to their owners and we therefore encourage it.
Following a consultation with our Residents Forum we are now introducing a Pet Policy. This policy outlines the conditions under which residents may keep animals in Mercian properties.
The policy attempts to balance the benefits of pet-ownership for our residents whilst ensuring animals do not cause any nuisance to others living or working nearby. We recognise that some of our residents may have pets for therapy, medical reasons, necessity or simply because they love pets.
We have a range of flats in which customers are able choose to live in a pet-free environment, or in flats that do not have a communal entrance where responsible owners of pets are welcomed. Residents are usually, with our permission, allowed to keep pets in houses.
If you have a pet and have not received our permission for this please contact us straight away.
All requests for permission to keep a pet must be made in writing. We will agree to residents (and applicants) having pets if they live in (or for applicants who want to live) pet-friendly flats or houses and we will not unreasonably withhold permission.
We will expect all residents who want a pet to complete and sign a “Pet Owning Residents Contract” with us. The contract outlines expectations of pet care, provides contact details in the event of a problem and the action Mercian may take if the terms of the contract are broken.
If at any point there is evidence that a pet is causing nuisance, annoyance or is anti-social to neighbours, staff, contractors or other people going about lawful activity we will withdraw permission previously granted and consider appropriate action, including legal proceedings, on the grounds of nuisance.
These are some of the behaviours that we will consider to be anti-social:
- Roaming and unattended animals
- Pets fouling in communal areas and in owners’ gardens where this is not being cleared up immediately
- Pets fouling in neighbours’ gardens
- Excessive noise or noise during unsocial hours
- Over-population of animals within a household
- Unpleasant odours from pets
- Aggressive animals
- Animals that escape onto neighbours’ gardens
There are also some actions that we will take against nuisance owners:
- Making responsible pet ownership part of a Good Neighbour Agreement
- Withdrawing permission to keep an animal
- Restricting the number of animals kept
- Making responsible pet ownership part of an Acceptable Behaviour Contract (ABC)
- Involving organisations such as the Police, Local Authority or RSPCA
- Obtaining an Injunction to oblige a pet owner to do something or to refrain from doing something. Mercian may ask the Court to make an Order requiring the owner to remove the animal
- Terminating the tenancy and taking possession proceedings where tenancy conditions are breached
Hate Crime & Harassment
Hate Crime & Harassment can affect anyone. Mercian will not tolerate any behaviour that is intended to intimidate someone because of their race, faith, nationality, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation or any other reason. Our new Hate Crime & Harassment Policy & Procedure will help us to make sure that victims of Hate Crime & Harassment receive our full support and that perpetrators are dealt with appropriately using every legal and non legal power at our disposal.
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse is often a hidden secret, but recent information suggests that 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic abuse during their lifetime and that 1 in 6 of all domestic abuse incidents has a male victim. One incident of domestic abuse is reported to police every minute. Mercian will provide a sensitive and supportive service to all victims of domestic abuse and our new policies and procedures will help us to do that.
If you are the victim of Hate Crime & Harassment or Domestic Abuse, don’t suffer in silence. We are here to help. We will never pass on sensitive information without your permission. If you are concerned and would like to have a confidential chat with someone, call us on 0121 322 7373 or view the policies and procedures in full below.
Are you a Mercian resident? Why not tell us your views by answering our Question of the Month.
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