Many private rentals don’t allow tenants to bring their furry friends. But the Renters’ Rights Bill is set to change that. Whether you’re a landlord or renter, here’s the lowdown on what this bill could mean for you.
A pet-friendly approach
Many people feel that pets bring happiness and emotional support to their lives. In fact, research shows that 54% of tenants already own a pet or would like one if the rules allowed it. And yet just 7% of rental properties are pet-friendly.
Landlords worry about the potential costs and damage caused by an animal. They might need to repair scratched furniture, for example. As a result, a huge number of renters are unable to enjoy the company of a dog or other animal.
Luckily, the government has decided to update the rules – making it easier for people to live with pets while guarding against extra costs for landlords. Let’s look at the specifics.
The Renters’ Rights Bill
Currently in its final stages of discussion, this parliamentary bill introduces many changes to England’s private rented sector. The aim is to give renters better rights and protections, including when it comes to beloved pooches and pets.
Here are the new guidelines:
- Tenants are allowed to ask their landlord for permission to live with a pet
- Landlords must consider such requests rather than flatly refuse them
- If they say no, landlords must put their reason down in writing
- The tenant has the right to challenge a refusal if they think it’s unfair
What does this mean in practical terms?
Pet insurance cover
Scratch marks on the carpet? Chewed table legs? Understandably, landlords are anxious about damage. They might need to replace furniture or organise an expensive deep clean.
The Renters’ Rights Bill could allow landlords to ask their tenants to pay for insurance. This way, it’s the pet owner who takes financial responsibility for keeping the home in good shape.
However, we’re yet to hear of the final decision on this particular element of the bill.
Landlords can still say no to requests
Likely, landlords can still refuse pets for certain reasons. For example:
- A superior landlord has a no-pets clause
If the property is leasehold and the superior landlord doesn’t allow pets, the tenant will be unable to keep one.
- The landlord has pet allergies
The landlord might have severe pet allergies that would make it difficult to visit the property for maintenance or inspections – in which case, they can say no to pet ownership. The same is true if other tenants in the building have allergies.
- The pet isn’t vaccinated and healthy
Whether a cat has fleas or a dog lacks up-to-date vaccination records, a landlord can turn down someone’s request for the sake of health and hygiene.
- The property isn’t suitable for the animal in question
Possibly the home is too small for a Great Dane. A top-floor flat wouldn’t suit a dog with mobility issues. The landlord has the right to refuse if they think the animal would be unhappy or otherwise badly suited.
More clarity to come
As Chris Norris, Policy Director at the National Residential Landlords’ Association, said, ‘It remains unclear as to the exact grounds on which landlords can refuse to let tenants keep a pet, so the government must provide greater clarity on this point.’ As the Renters’ Rights Bill moves through its final stages, we look forward to hearing more details on what pet owners and landlords can expect.
Here at Winkworth, we’ll continue to share advice and industry insights on how to prepare for upcoming changes.
