Two-thirds of renters plan to pet after rule change

Two-thirds of renters plan to request keeping a pet in their home because of the new law, research reveals.

The Renters Rights Act, which came into force earlier in May, means tenants have strengthened rights to request a pet in their property, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.

Research from pet insurer Animal Friends shows that 37% of renters said they were unable to live with their pet because a landlord did not allow them to keep it, with many forced to give them up.

In more than a quarter of cases, pets had to be rehomed with a friend or family member and 8% of renters had to send their dogs or cats to a rescue centre.

The research reveals that more than half of renters that have been separated from their pet because of their landlord’s policy will now apply to bring them home. Three in 10 plan to live with their pet as soon as possible.

Among those planning to get a pet, 62% say they prefer to get a dog, the poll reveals.

Jen Wormleighton, head of veterinary services at Animal Friends Pet Insurance, said: “Bringing a pet into the family should always be a well-thought through decision, including financial preparedness.”