Can I keep a pet in a rented flat or a block?
It depends: in a block usually yes, in a rental — as the contract says. There's no general statutory ban on keeping pets in a flat or block. In a cooperative or housing community the rules can't expressly forbid keeping an animal, but may require it not to be a nuisance to others (noise, mess, danger) and that the owner clean up after it and control it in common areas. In a rented flat, the tenancy contract decides: the owner may limit or forbid keeping pets, or make it conditional on consent. You're always liable for damage the animal causes to the flat and to neighbours. Before bringing in a pet, check the contract and the building's rules.
📋 The rules
- No general ban on keeping pets in a block
- Rules can't forbid outright, but the animal can't be a nuisance
- In a rental the tenancy contract decides (may limit/forbid)
- Duty to clean up and control the animal in common areas
- Liability for damage caused by the animal
🔓 Exceptions
- Tenancy contract with a ban or conditional consent: binds the tenant
- Aggressive animals or breeds needing a permit: extra duties
- Assistance dogs for people with disabilities: special protection
⚠️ Penalties & fines
Keeping an animal against the tenancy contract may be a breach of the contract and grounds for its termination and claims for damage. If the animal is a nuisance to neighbours — making noise (e.g. persistent barking), fouling common areas or posing a danger — liability under the Code of Petty Offences (e.g. failing to take care) and neighbours' claims for nuisance are possible. To avoid problems: before bringing in a pet, check the tenancy contract and the community's/cooperative's rules, get the owner's consent if needed, keep things clean and the neighbours' peace, clean up after the animal and control it in common areas. Remember you're liable for any damage caused.
📎 Official sources
❓ Frequently asked
Can I keep a dog or cat in a block?
As a rule yes. There's no general ban on keeping pets in a block, and a cooperative's or community's rules can't expressly forbid it. They may, however, require the animal not to be a nuisance to neighbours and that you clean up after it and control it in common areas.
Can the owner of a rented flat ban pets?
Yes. In a rental the tenancy contract decides — the owner may limit or forbid keeping pets, or make it conditional on their consent. Keeping a pet against the contract may be a breach and grounds for termination, so it's worth settling before signing.
What if the animal bothers the neighbours?
The animal can't be a nuisance. Persistent barking, fouling common areas or posing a danger may bring liability under the Code of Petty Offences and neighbours' claims for nuisance. The animal's owner should ensure peace and cleanliness in the surroundings.
Am I liable for damage my animal causes?
Yes. You're liable for damage the animal causes to the rented flat and to neighbours or their property. This covers both damage in the flat and, for example, a bite. So it's worth ensuring oversight of the animal and considering suitable insurance.
Are assistance dogs also subject to limits?
Assistance dogs for people with disabilities enjoy special protection and have the right of entry where other animals are limited. Their presence stems from the need to ensure the independence and safety of a person with a disability, which the rules treat as a priority.
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