Tenants with Pets

Last week, the Labour Party published a new 50-point animal welfare plan that supports tenants with pets. Generally an animal welfare plan would not be big news for us but this one point could affect landlords.

• Recognising that currently for the majority of people under 30, buying a home is sadly less and less of an affordable option, Labour would seek to improve the rights of renters to own pets that do not cause a nuisance. Labour would consult with landlords and tenants on the ability for tenants to keep pets as default unless there is evidence that the animal is causing a nuisance.

Around half of all landlords discourage tenants with pets. This is often because of the additional damage that comes with having a cat or dog in the premises.

We know though that properties are easier to let if tenants are allowed to bring their pets with them. And there are many benefits to tenants if they are allowed to keep pets.

The Dogs Trust is running a successful ‘Lets with Pets‘ campaign that helps tenants to find a pet-friendly rental property.

Reports in the press have implied that there could be a blanket rule allowing pets in every rented property. This is not the way forward though and clarity is still needed to answer questions like:

• Will landlords be allowed to charge higher deposits to cover the higher risk of damage to a property?
• Will insurance premiums for landlords be increased, again to reflect the high risk of damage to a property?
• How will this affect tenants in shared houses?  Particularly where one or more tenants are allergic to pets or work shifts and do not want the noise associated with a pet.
• Will some properties be deemed as unsuitable for pets? Like those without gardens or in blocks of flats.

It is early days for this policy and with Labour currently in opposition it is less likely to come to anything just yet. However, we will keep our eye on this subject and keep you updated as soon as we hear anything.