Pet companies and a Conservative peer are celebrating as the Renters’ Rights Bill looks to grant tenants new powers to keep animals.
The Bill will make it so landlords can’t unreasonably refuse a tenant request to keep a pet in their property.
Conservative Peer Lord Guy Black said: “This legislation marks the start of a long-overdue culture shift.
“It will ensure the huge benefits of pet ownership are no longer limited to those who own their own homes but can be shared by millions who rent in England.
“As a pet owner myself, I can’t imagine how distressing it would be to have to choose between my home and my pet. I hope those days will now be behind us.”
It was formerly proposed that landlords could demand their tenants take out pet insurance, before a House of Lords amendment attempted to allow landlords to charge a three-week pet deposit.
Both ideas have been rejected by the government.
The Bill is returning to the House of Commons before being potentially granted Royal Assent.
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: “For years Battersea has witnessed the heartbreaking reality of families forced to part with their beloved pets because of restrictive housing policies.
“The Renters’ Rights Bill will finally break that cycle. Millions of renters will now have the chance to experience the joy and companionship that pet ownership brings.”
Nick Foster, general manager UK, Ireland and Nordics, Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “The government’s decision to remove unnecessary barriers to pet ownership for renters recognises just how much it means to people and families across the country – and we’re so pleased that this opens the door to more people than ever being able to experience the happiness and wellbeing benefits that come from being a pet parent.”
