Right to Manage companies can recover reasonable costs for pet approvals

The government has confirmed that Right to Manage (RTM) companies can grant permission for pets where leases require approval and may charge fees to cover their reasonable costs.

In a written parliamentary answer, Labour’s Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said that fees and administration charges must be reasonable and only cover costs that have actually been incurred.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, private rented sector tenants now have the right to request a pet and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

Leases require approval for pets

In a written parliamentary question, Lord Truscott asked: “What guidance they are the government giving, to Right to Manage property companies and their directors on the legality or otherwise of imposing charges for approving pets?”

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage said: “Where a Right to Manage (RTM) company takes over management of a building, it is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms of the lease. In some cases, leases require approval for pets, which the RTM is responsible for granting. RTM companies are entitled to recover permission fees to cover their reasonable costs.

“Guidance for RTM companies in exercising their functions, including granting approvals, is provided by the Leasehold Advisory Service.

“Permission fees and administration charges, whether issued by a landlord or an RTM company, should only be used where necessary and should cover only any reasonable costs incurred. Any fees and charges should be justifiable, transparent, and communicated effectively and there should be a clear route to redress if things go wrong.

“By law, variable administration or permission charges must be reasonable, and leaseholders can challenge them by applying to the tribunal for a decision if they do not believe they are fair.”

As previously reported by Property118, the government has hinted at allowing leaseholders to keep pets, but no legislation has yet been introduced.