Stuck in a tenancy agreement waiting for the day that you have enough cash to buy your own gaff with a back garden for a dog? Well the wait is over, almost – as the government is introducing new rules for tenants who wish to keep pets in their rented homes. The new rule is a huge step closer to tenants being able to keep pets in rented accommodation.
Only a teeny 7% of landlords allowed pets in their properties, and the majority of contracts were super strict when it comes to breaking their rules. Tenants could have been fined for breaking their contracts, or if their landlords do decided to allow animals on the premises, huge fees could have been incur – such as additional rent on behalf of the pet or increased deposits incase of damage.
According to PETA, there are approximately 100,000 dogs without homes in the UK, with the RSPCA still having to put down a large number of healthy pets due to a lack of suitable homes to join. Housing Minister, CHris Pincher stated the “model tenancy agreement” that has been introduced will stop landlords banning all animals.
It is not legally binding, but the new document has been updated on the governments model tenancy agreement, which can be downloaded by landlords. And the government hopes that landlords will use this as a default document when renting out properties.
The contract means that pets are consented by default, and landlords using the contract will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request by a tennant to overturn it with good reason.
Senior parliamentary advisor at the RSPCA, Rachel Williams, said: “As many existing pet friendly landlords will testify, pet owners can be some of the best tenants… And with landlords’ support in encouraging responsible pet ownership measures through their tenancy agreements we could see real progress in animal welfare too.”
Campaigners are encouraging landlords to use the document as best practice, and the RSPCA, said it was a “big step forward” for pet owners. Tory MP Andrew Rosindell has been campaigning to get rid of the no pet clause altogether from the rental contract in a bill he called “Jasmine’s Law” since an owner had to get rid of their Weimaraner dog due to the tenancy agreement.
Rosindell said: “Blanket bans on pets are ‘unfair’ and these changes are clear indications that the government recognises the extent of the problem.”
As the new agreement is just a template and not legally binding he has said that: “Consequently, this campaign must continue, and we must turn these proposals into law to ensure a pet in every home.”
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