Renters set to be allowed to keep pets under new government rules, reports suggest
The government is set to unveil new rules that will force landlords to house pets in their rental properties, according to reports.
Currently, only 5% of landlords allow animals in their rental properties, according to rental platform Goodlord.
The new rules will be included in the Renters Reform Bill white paper that is due to be published this week.
However, the reports also suggest that Housing Secretary Michael Gove will also give landlords powers to request tenants with pets have insurance to cover any potential damage as part of his rental reforms.
Chris Norris, of the National Residential Landlords Association, told The Telegraph: “Our biggest concern has always been that the law, as it currently stands, prevents landlords requiring insurance to cover the significant risk of pets creating damage to a property.
“We welcome reports that the government has listened and responded positively to our concerns.”
One Comment
Carlo
I’m a landlord that lets 2 properties as homes. One pets are permitted, the other they are not. There is a reason. The small two bedroom property is not big enough for a pet. I wouldn’t live there with my dog. Tenancies are typically about 2 years and people move on. Complete deep clean, new carpets and redecoration are needed when a pet moves out. I can’t afford the loss of income due to the time it takes as well as the cost of contractors. I like to return 100% of deposits when I can, but work over and above fair wear and tear means I can’t always. Then when you inspect a property and find the composite external doors have been fitted with a cat flap in a home where pets are not permitted and have to have a discussion about that. Both my last two dogs have been rescues, I love my dogs, but not every property is suitable. I’m allergic to cats so don’t want an asthma attack in my property when the tenant leaves. If I am asked I will consider and explain why I don’t allow pets. I believe that is what the new laws require, and then that decision should be respected or that is obviously not the right property for that tenant. Insurance is not the answer. The cost will increase with every claim and each changeover where a pet is involved would result in a claim The tenant should insure for any damage their pet may cause.