Renters’ Rights Bill: New Hope for Pet Owners

Finding a pet-friendly rental home has long been a challenge for pet owners in the UK. Whether you're a dog lover, a cat owner, or the proud companion of a small furry friend, the search for a rental property that welcomes both you and your pet can feel overwhelming. However, there are positive changes on the horizon that could make the process a lot easier, thanks to the Renters' Rights Bill and initiatives like Dogs Trust's Let’s with Pets campaign.

The Struggle of Renting with Pets

For many pet owners, trying to rent a home can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. It’s not just about finding the right size, location, or budget; for pet owners, one major hurdle is finding a landlord who allows pets at all. Blanket bans on pets are common, leaving many tenants feeling stuck or forced to give up their beloved companions.

That’s where Dogs Trust steps in with their Let’s with Pets campaign. Recognising this widespread issue, Dogs Trust offers advice to pet owners looking for pet-friendly homes. Their tips are simple but effective and aim to help tenants present their pets in the best light possible when applying for a rental property.

Here are some of their top recommendations:

• Start Early: Begin your search 6-8 weeks before you plan to move to give yourself time to find a suitable pet-friendly home.
• Be Flexible: Expanding your search criteria might help you discover more pet-friendly options.
• Pet CV: Just like a job application, a pet CV that highlights your pet’s training, health records, and behavior can help convince landlords.
• Pet Reference: A glowing reference from a previous landlord can go a long way to show your pet’s good behavior.
• Meet the Landlord: Introducing your pet to the landlord can help ease any concerns.
• Honesty is Key: Always be upfront about having a pet to avoid potential problems later.
• Written Permission: Ensure any agreements about your pet are included in the tenancy agreement to avoid future issues.

Dogs Trust also offers free information booklets with further advice for pet owners trying to navigate the rental market. These resources are designed to help both tenants and landlords understand how they can work together to create pet-friendly tenancies.

The Renters’ Rights Bill: What’s Changing?

The upcoming Renters' Rights Bill could be a game changer for renters with pets. Introduced by the new Labour government in September 2024, this bill aims to make renting with pets much easier by giving tenants the legal right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket bans on pets, and they will be required to respond to pet requests within a set timeframe.

Currently, the law does not provide strong protections for tenants with pets. While the Tenant Fees Act 2019 introduced rules to prevent landlords from charging additional deposits for pets, some still impose extra “pet rent.” This act also made it illegal for landlords to demand professional cleaning or flea treatment at the end of a tenancy.

However, the Renters’ Rights Bill takes things a step further. If it passes, landlords will only be able to refuse a pet request if they have a valid reason. This shift could end the practice of landlords turning away prospective tenants purely because they have a pet. The bill also reduces the time a landlord has to respond to a pet request to just 28 days, which is good news for pet owners eager to move.

What’s Still Uncertain?

Although the proposed bill is a positive step forward, there are still areas that need further clarity. For example, the bill does not currently extend the right to request a pet to those living in social housing. This leaves a significant portion of renters without the benefits of these new rules.

There are also questions about what constitutes a "reasonable" refusal. For example, could landlords still refuse pets based on property size or condition? Dogs Trust has called for clearer guidelines on what qualifies as a valid refusal, as well as further safeguards to prevent landlords from easily revoking permission for pets after it has been granted.

Another concern relates to amendments to the Tenant Fees Act, which may allow landlords to require tenants to take out pet insurance to cover any potential damage caused by their pets. While this might seem like a reasonable request, it could place an additional financial burden on tenants, especially in the current cost-of-living crisis. Dogs Trust has urged the government to reconsider this measure, noting that the vast majority of pets cause little to no damage to rental properties.

Practical Support for Pet Owners in Need

In addition to helping renters find pet-friendly homes, Dogs Trust offers support for pet owners facing difficult circumstances. For example, their Together Through Homelessness initiative provides assistance with vet bills for people experiencing homelessness and helps connect them to dog-friendly homelessness services.

Dogs Trust also offers the Freedom Project, a confidential dog fostering service for those fleeing domestic abuse. This initiative ensures that victims can seek safety without the fear of having to leave their beloved pets behind.

The Renters' Rights Bill: Looking Ahead

The Renters' Rights Bill will change how renting with pets works in the UK. With new legal rights coming, more tenants may enjoy their pets without worrying about finding pet-friendly homes.

However, the bill, though promising, is still a work in progress. Pet owners should watch for updates as it moves through Parliament. Tools like Dogs Trust's Let’s with Pets campaign offer valuable guidance for navigating the rental market.

By staying informed and using available resources, pet owners can improve their chances of finding a welcoming home. Happy house hunting!