Cuddly Corbyn wants to give tenants the right to keep pets

Cuddly Corbyn wants to give tenants the right to keep pets

10:36 AM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago 73

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In an effort to win over animal loving votes the Labour party wants to give tenants a default right to keep pets in their rented home.

Landlords can only refuse permission under the 2015 Consumer Rights Act if it is reasonable to do so, for reasons such as the animal’s size, possible damage and impact on future rental demand.

However, Labour want landlords to have to prove the pet will be a nuisance before keeping it can be refused. Therefore, this would stop landlords being able to advertise properties with a no pet policy.

The plans also include giving low income earners help with vets bills!

Labour shadow environment secretary, Sue Hayman, said: “People shouldn’t be denied the joy of keeping a pet just because they can’t afford a home of their own. For the majority of people under 30 buying a home is sadly less and less an affordable option.

“I believe the five million households who are forced to rent really shouldn’t be denied the joy of keeping a pet. Pets are not only good company, but they can also help reduce stress in their owners.

“So we want to consult with landlords to see if we can give tenants the default right to keep a pet in their home, so long as they’re not a nuisance. It’s important we don’t just design policies for those fortunate enough to own a home and we reflect the needs of the many, not the few.”

The NLA’s, Richard Lambert, said: “Around half of landlords say they are reluctant to allow renters to keep pets due to a perceived added risk of damage to the property, and the increased costs of repair at the end of a tenancy.

“You can’t take a blanket approach to keeping or refusing pets. The NLA has consistently supported schemes that encourage landlords to take on pet owners, such as the Dog’s Trust’s ‘Lets With Pets’, but landlords should have a right to refuse permission so long as they justify their decision.

“For example, common properties in the PRS, such as high rise flats or those without gardens, may simply not be suitable for keeping some animals nor beneficial to their welfare.”

In addition to the last comment by Richard some leasehold property covenants preclude keeping pets in the building.

A Property118 reader commented on the news that “I automatically turn down anyone who wants just a room and has a cat. Many people have allergies. It must be a non-starter in HMOs.”


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Comments

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

17:41 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Anne Noon at 14/02/2018 - 17:31
I have been in this business for 30 years and had over 1,000 tenancies in that time. No problems with pets, humans are always the problem.

Follow the tips I’ve given above and make sure you but RGI and good landlords insurance and you won’t go far wrong.

Pets are fine, it’s their owners you need to keep an eye on. That’s why Corbyn’s suggestion if so daft .... YET AGAIN!!!

When will the lefties see that he not a genuine man at all? He may have started out that way but it as plain as the nose on your face that he is as slimy as politicians get and will say anything to win votes from people who are easiltly swayed. Can anybody trust this buffoon?

James Noble

18:10 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mark Alexander at 14/02/2018 - 17:41We do not, and cannot discriminate between colour, class, creed, nationality and gender. Quite right too. But surely we must be allowed to create our own reasonable house rules for tenants in houses we own, however quirky they may seem. If the potential tenant doesn't like it - tough. It is completely wrong of Corbyn to seek to impose such conditions for landlords, especially those we might not agree with. (Whilst we support wild-life charities, oppose fox hunting, feed the birds and the hedgehogs etc. my wife and I have a total ban on dogs and cats in our own home - no exceptions!)

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

18:12 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by James Noble at 14/02/2018 - 18:10
And that should continue to be your right

T G

18:27 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

As long as the Labour Party is the guarantor for any damage then it sounds fine to me.

Rob Crawford

18:33 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Mark Alexander at 14/02/2018 - 15:51
I assume you have a large garden or field? I think the objections here are about animals kept inside where they can damage fixtures and fittings.

Rob Crawford

18:38 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

Speaking to Bristol Council recently. The landlord, as far as they are concerned is responsible, if the tenants fail to do so, for the disposal of tenant rubbish. Will they therefore become responsible for the pets that are not looked after, cause a nuisance or are a danger to the public?

Mark Alexander - Founder of Property118

18:47 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Rob Crawford at 14/02/2018 - 18:33
Yes Rob, you need to read my other posts on this topic as well

Rod

18:59 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

If all comments on this were sent direct to J.C. (as I often do) he'd soon get fed up! Labour are constantly courting votes just like someone else in recent history 'no names' but it lead to a disaster!

Mike D

20:06 PM, 14th February 2018, About 6 years ago

He's a dangerous Marxist with policies that will lower the UK to the lowest denominator,reducing this country to 2nd world poverty! Let's hope the majority see through his shambles,
Always give me aspirations over hand outs, it didn't work for China, Russia or Cuba.... It only made the whole country poor!

Chris @ Possession Friend

9:17 AM, 15th February 2018, About 6 years ago

...' 5 million "forced to rent" !!! is that a bit like me, forced to drive a BMW because I can't afford a Mercedes. I think that ploy could win labour a lot of votes [sic] problem in housing all the governments problems, of their own making, by selling off Council houses and falling short of social provision of housing - is that there are a significant number of tenants out there who aren't fit to rent a home 'Without a pet' and can't even look after themselves, let alone an animal. A lot of these are who Labour are appealing to in their policies.

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