Pet-Friendly Renters’ Rights a “Huge Step Forward” but more to be done, say Leading Animal Charities – Total Grooming Magazine

Tenant can have the best to request permission to maintain a pet of their dwelling

Lodging points one of the frequent causes pets relinquished to Canines Belief and Cats Safety

Canines Belief and Cats Safety, two of the UK’s largest animal charities, have at present welcomed a landmark change in renters’ rights that can make it simpler for tenants to maintain pets.

The Renters Reform Invoice efficiently accomplished its journey by means of Parliament at present and marks a major step ahead for pet-owning renters. As soon as the laws receives Royal Assent, tenants can have the best to request permission to maintain a pet of their dwelling – a request landlords can not unreasonably refuse.

This can be a main victory for Canines Belief and Cats Safety, who’ve collectively campaigned for years to handle the difficulties confronted by renters with pets. Till now, tenants had no authorized proper to maintain a pet. The brand new legislation will enable tenants to have a pet the place that request is an inexpensive one.

Whereas each charities welcome this large step within the rights of animal loving tenants with present tenancy agreements, each Canines Belief and Cats Safety wish to see extra carried out to encourage landlords to simply accept new tenants with pets.

Canines Belief receives 1000’s of handover enquiries from canine homeowners scuffling with the shortage of pet-friendly housing. Thus far this 12 months, round 15% of handover enquiries obtained by the charity cite lodging points.

In the meantime, Cats Safety says that in 2024 it took in over 1,000 cats on account of landlords not permitting them of their properties, making it the tenth most-cited cause as to why cats are given as much as the charity.

Analysis performed by Canines Belief and Cats Safety reveals a transparent disconnect. Whereas 46% of landlords say they permit pets, solely 30% of tenants say their rental settlement permits canines, and 32% say cats are permitted.

In over a 3rd of circumstances the place pets aren’t allowed, the owner didn’t base the choice on particular tenants or animals however as a substitute relied on generic recommendation or normal templates.

The information additionally reveals that accepting pets might profit landlords: 26% of tenants mentioned they’d keep in a rental property longer if pets have been allowed — decreasing turnover and offering better tenancy stability.

Owen Sharp, Chief Govt of Canines Belief, says: 

“These new pet-friendly renters’ rights imply that the advantages of pet possession are not unique to owners, one thing we now have been campaigning on for a few years. It’s a game-changer for pet-loving tenants. 

“Whereas there’s little question it is a large step ahead in enhancing the provision of pet pleasant lodging, there may be nonetheless extra to be carried out. Sadly, one of the frequent causes we see canines handed in to our rehoming centres is a change within the proprietor’s dwelling circumstances and a scarcity of obtainable pet-friendly lodging.  

“We urge the Authorities to work with the personal and social rental sectors to extend confidence in renting to pet homeowners in order that they aren’t deprived when searching for to entry appropriate lodging.” 

Madison Rogers, Affiliate Director of Advocacy, Campaigns and Exterior Affairs at Cats Safety added: 

“This new legislation will assist to unlock the thrill of pet companionship for therefore many individuals who hire their houses. We’re delighted to have been on the forefront of this marketing campaign, along with our pals at Canines Belief and our supporters.  

“Pet possession can carry a lot to folks’s lives – whether or not it’s offering firm for older folks, serving to kids study accountability or being a consolation for folks with well being situations. Sadly although, pet possession has turn into a privilege that has been accessible for individuals who have owned their houses and never for many who hire. It’s proper that the pet privilege has lastly been dropped at an finish.” 

“We can not wait to assist those that need a cat and who hire their houses, to seek out the best cat for them.” 

To help the transition to extra pet-inclusive renting, Canines Belief gives recommendation and sources by means of its Lets with Pets scheme, whereas Cats Safety runs its Hire with Cats work, serving to tenants, landlords and housing suppliers navigate pet-related tenancy points.