Government’s Renters’ Reform Bill set to change rules on pets in rented properties

Rebecca Gibson, Client Services Manager

Landlords may soon need to review their polices about allowing pets in their rented properties in the light of forthcoming legal changes, according to experts at Principle Estate Management.

The comments from Principle were made with reference to the government’s Renters’ Reform Bill which – along with various other changes – will mean that tenants may soon have a legal right to keep pets in rented homes.

Rebecca Gibson, client services manager at Principle, warned tenants not to rush to pet shops without first getting consent from landlords, as there could be conflict between legal changes and existing leases and consents.

Ms Gibson said: “This part of the Renters’ Reform Bill reflects that according to data collected in 2020, only 7% of private landlords currently allow tenants to keep a pet in their property.

“As a nation of animal lovers, the difficulties of owning a pet while living in rented accommodation was only exasperated by the Covid-19 pandemic which saw huge numbers of people investing time and money in new pets.

“The new Bill appears, on the face of it, to be very pro-pet and seems to take into consideration the increasing numbers of people unable to afford to purchase their own property but longing to own a usually four-legged companion.

“However, for those living in rented leasehold properties, owning a pet can be even more difficult due to the restrictions set out in the lease pertaining to the property.

“Many leases explicitly stipulate that pets either are not allowed, or are only to be permitted with express consent from the freeholder.

“It will be interesting to see how the new reforms run alongside the current stance which is to abide by the terms of the lease, ensuring all necessary permissions are obtained to avoid the emotional difficulties – for both owner and pet – of rehoming a pet if consent is not obtained.

Duke, Rebecca’s Golden Labrador

“Being a pet lover myself – I have a Golden Labrador and a Ragdoll cat at home – I would personally welcome the reforms.

“However, our advice to tenants would be not to rush out and buy a pet just yet as it must be highlighted that a landlord can still refuse consent, providing they have a good reason to do so. 

“It may also be that landlords will get a legal right to demand that tenants take out necessary insurances to ensure they can make good any damage their pet may cause.

“Therefore, those who live in rented accommodation should always ensure they seek consent from their landlord before purchasing a pet.

“And landlords should always ensure they refer to their lease or transfer document before they provide any consent for a tenant to keep a pet in the property.”


For more information on pet consent, your lease and other frequently asked questions, visit our Help Centre.

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