Owning your own home

because they 'think' the lease suggests that the exterior of the property is our responsibility, but cannot actually give us a solid answer on where the line is drawn

Hmmm. Sometimes leases are worded badly. Might be worth getting the clause in full and getting an expert to review it.

lease says "Not to keep any animal bird or reptile in the flat which the council considers to be dangerous injurious to health or a nuisance"

Above Standard. A great number of lease rule out ALL pets unless given permission, so this seems quite permissive.

There is a restriction against keeping pets on the property. I would recommend that if you intend to keep a pet, you obtain consent from the Landlord before exchange of contracts.

The pets thing...it only matters if your pet is a fucking nuisance anyway. If you have a brain, you'll make sure your dogue / lizards are quiet and don't piss people off.

The solicitors are covering their bums, there.