Nearly half of renters likely to take on a pet as Renters’ Rights Bill nears Royal Assent

A survey claims renters have been forced to give up pets after their landlord refused permission, as pet charities welcome the final stages of the Renters’ Rights Bill.

The survey by pet charity Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and Mars claim with the Renters’ Rights Bill nearing Royal Assent, nearly half of renters will now likely welcome a new pet or additional pet.

However, a lawyer warns the government rejecting the pet deposit amendment and pet insurance leaves landlords more at risk.

Pet charities are now encouraging renters to consider dogs and cats in need of forever homes

Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably deny a tenant’s request to keep a pet.

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 the Renters’ Rights Bill nearing Royal Assent, data by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home reveals almost half (45%) of private renters surveyed say they’re likely to welcome a new or additional pet into their home.

Battersea Dogs and Cats Homes and Mars are now encouraging renters to consider dogs and cats in need of forever homes.

Nick Foster, general manager UK, Ireland and Nordics, Mars Pet Nutrition, said: “Pets really do make a house a home and we’re incredibly proud of our work with our long-term partners at Battersea to help bring about this important change in the law.

“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.”

Peter Laurie, chief executive of Battersea, adds: “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.”

Landlords will face increased financial risk

Previously, the government championed a pet damage insurance requirement, with former Housing Secretary Angela Rayner saying it would ensure “no one is left unfairly out of pocket.” However, the government later scrapped this provision.

The House of Lords then proposed an amendment to allow landlords to take a separate pet damage deposit of up to three weeks’ rent on top of the usual deposit cap. This amendment was rejected by the government and again voted down in the Lords, with 239 against and 192 in favour.

A lawyer warns that by rejecting these amendments, landlords will face increased financial risk.

David Smith, property litigation partner at Spector Constant & Williams, said: “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.”

A previous article by Property118 also reveals landlords face huge costs if a tenant keeps a pet in their property, which can cost a landlord £305 for a three-stage flea treatment reflecting the lifecycle of a flea, with one District Council in Essex charging landlords £276.00 for one visit.