A joint statement from pet food company Mars and the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home describes the Renters Rights Bill as having “transformative impact on the lives of tenants wishing to rent with pets.”
Following the final stages of debate in the House of Lords, this legislation will shortly become law.
According to YouGov research, 40% of renters surveyed have been unable to get a pet due to housing restrictions, whilst almost a fifth (19%) of those who have been refused permission to keep a pet by a landlord say they were forced to give them up. With 70% of pet parents questioned citing the mental health and wellbeing benefits of animals as their reason for ownership, this means millions of renters can now enjoy the companionship of a pet without fear of being turned away or forced to give them up.
Mars and Battersea have been campaigning to improve the rights of pet owners in rental properties for over three years working with Lord Black of Brentwood, who has led the campaign from the House of Lords.
A Mars spokesperson says: “The Government’s decision to remove unnecessary barriers to pet ownership for renters recognises just how much it means to people and families across the country – and we’re so pleased that this opens the door to more people than ever being able to experience the happiness and wellbeing benefits that come from being a pet parent.”
Lord Guy Black, Baron Black of Brentwood, adds: “This legislation marks the start of a long-overdue culture shift. It will ensure the huge benefits of pet ownership are no longer limited to those who own their own homes but can be shared by millions who rent in England. As a pet owner myself, I can’t imagine how distressing it would be to have to choose between my home and my pet. I hope those days will now be behind us. I’ve greatly valued working with organisations such as Mars and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home to ensure this legislation truly delivers and I am hugely grateful to them for their campaigning support.”
The passing of the Bill is set to increase pet ownership and adoption, with almost half (45%) of private renters surveyed saying they would be likely to get a new or additional pet.
Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea, comments: “For years Battersea has witnessed the heartbreaking reality of families forced to part with their beloved pets because of restrictive housing policies. The Renters’ Rights Bill will finally break that cycle. Millions of renters will now have the chance to experience the joy and companionship that pet ownership brings. Having long campaigned alongside Mars for this change, it is heartening to see that a future where no one is forced to choose between a home and their pet is now within reach.”
However David Smith, a well known legal expert and property litigation partner at Spector Constant & Williams, says: “The Government’s decision to reject the proposal for a separate pet damage deposit is disappointing but unsurprising. The original Lords amendment recognised a genuine gap in protection for landlords that has now been left unaddressed.
“While the drive to make renting more pet-friendly is understandable, removing both the dedicated insurance requirement and the option of an additional deposit leaves landlords exposed to potential losses that cannot easily be recovered under the existing five-week cap.
“A modest, refundable pet deposit would have struck a sensible balance between encouraging responsible pet ownership and protecting property owners from avoidable risk. As it stands, landlords will need to rely on clear tenancy agreements and robust referencing to manage the additional liabilities that pets inevitably bring.”
