Recently the government announced a change in the rules for renters with pets.
But what does it all mean and how does it affect my rights as a pet owner?
On the 28th of January Housing Minister Chris Pincher announced that the government was changing its ‘model tenancy agreement’. This is a basic tenancy agreement that it suggests most landlords use to ensure that they are abiding by all of the relevant housing laws.
Previously, there was no mention on whether pets could be refused or not, so most landlords took it upon themselves to decide that pets were not allowed.
Only 3% of rental properties are listed as being pet-friendly.
This is mainly due to the noise and damage that pets can do to a rental property, which can in some circumstances cost £1000s to repair, meaning landlords are sometimes reluctant to allow them. Some properties are not listed as pet-friendly, but upon speaking with the landlord can sometimes allow pets in certain circumstances. However, only 3% of rental properties are listed as being pet-friendly.
The changes the government have announced to the ‘model tenancy agreement’ recommend that no tenants should be refused a rental property just because they have a pet; as long as it is ‘well-behaved’.
While landlords do not have to use this tenancy agreement, groups such as the RSPCA are campaigning for as many landlords as possible to get on board.
If a landlord does want to refuse a tenant based on them owning a pet, it is proposed under the new agreement that they must submit a ‘good reason’ in writing within 28 days of the application, stating why they do not want the tenant and their pet(s).
Mr Pincher said the action "strikes the right balance between helping more people find a home that's right for them and their pet while ensuring landlords' properties are safeguarded against inappropriate or badly behaved pets".