The government has presented to Parliament a new Renters’ Rights Bill, which includes enhanced rights for tenants who wish to keep pets.
The government said it is “committed to supporting responsible pet ownership in the private rented sector” and that the Renters’ Rights Bill “will ensure landlords do not unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home”.
Under the Bill, landlords will be required to fully consider all requests to keep a pet on a case-by-case basis, with the tenant able to challenge unfair decisions. Where a tenant feels that a landlord has unreasonably refused their request, they will be able to escalate their complaint to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or take the case to court.
The Bill includes provision to allow landlords to require insurance covering pet damage by amending the Tenant Fees Act 2019. In cases where insurance and the standard tenancy deposit do not cover the cost of damage, a landlord could take the tenant to court to recoup additional funds in line with wider rules in the sector.
The government added that it will publish guidance for landlords and tenants before the new rules come into effect.
The Bill is at its second reading stage in the Parliamentary process, and could yet be amended in committee proceedings.
