The Government has called on landlords to make it easier for responsible tenants to have well-behaved pets in rental properties.
The Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said the Government would overhaul model tenancy contracts and would publish a revised agreement later this year.
He said more young people and families than ever before are renting and should be able to enjoy the happiness that a pet can bring to their lives.
However, only around 7% of landlords advertise homes as suitable for pets, he said, meaning that many people struggle to find a home suitable for themselves and their pets.
‘HUGE AMOUNTS OF JOY’
He said: “Some renters have been forced to give up their pets all together simply because they have been unable to move into a rented property with one.”
The government’s model tenancy contracts for renters will be revised to remove restrictions on well-behaved pets to ensure more landlords are catering for responsible pet owners wherever possible.
Total bans on renters with pets should only be implemented where there is good reason, such as in smaller properties or flats where owning a pet could be impractical, he said.
He said: “Pets bring a huge amount of joy and comfort to people’s lives, helping their owners through difficult times and improving their mental and physical well-being. So, it’s a shame that thousands of animal-loving tenants and their children can’t experience this because they rent their homes instead of owning property.”
The overhaul of the model tenancy contract would encourage more landlords to open their doors to responsible pet owners.
He added: “This is part of this new government’s mission to improve life for tenants, recognising that more are renting and for longer in life. We’ve already taken action, banning unfair letting fees and capping tenancy deposits, saving tenants across England at least £240 million a year, and I will continue to take more steps to secure a better deal for renters up and down the country.”
