‘Historic day’ as Renters Rights Act comes into force

Today (1 May) has been labelled an “historic” day for pet ownership, as a new law comes into force that will give more people than ever before in England the opportunity to own an animal.

Landlords can currently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties, without providing a justifiable reason. However, the Renters Rights Act will give all tenants in the private rented sector the legal right to request keeping a pet; with such requests unable to be unreasonably refused by landlords.

David Bowles, Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, said: “For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership. That ends thanks to this new law.

“This change is a lifeline – not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.”

In addition, the new legislation means many existing pet owners will no longer face the heartbreaking choice between keeping their beloved animal and getting a new roof over their heads.

Bowles added: “There are gut-wrenching examples of people having to surrender their pets to access somewhere to live, because their tenancy agreement will not allow pets. Thankfully, those situations too will soon be a thing of the past.”