Scottish Greens push for pet-friendly renting reforms

Scottish Greens are aiming to make it easier for tenants in private rentals to keep pets and assistance animals – and if landlords don’t reply to a tenant’s request, approval will be given automatically.

The party’s amendments to the forthcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill, would also see a tenant wanting a service or assistance pet NOT needing a landlord’s permission.

The proposals, supported by charities like Dogs Trust, Cats Protection, and Sight Scotland, seek to overhaul current regulations.

Shouldn’t need a landlord’s permission

Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman said: “Pets are part of the family, and in some cases, are working to keep people safe every day.

“Dogs, cats and other animals are important for many people’s physical and mental health, and they play an important role in decreasing loneliness.

“In a world where many feel isolated, having a pet for companionship in return for our care can make us feel valued and get us out of the house more often too.”

She added: “Renters have every right to keep pets in the homes they pay for without having to ask permission from landlords.

“Too often, requests are ignored or delayed which leads to uncertainty and stress for people with pets, or people hoping to have one.

“That is why I want to amend the Bill so that faster responses are given, and permission granted automatically if no response is received.”

Automatic permission for pets

Under existing rules, tenants must request permission from their landlord to keep a pet, with landlords given 42 days to respond.

The amendment would slash this waiting period to 14 days.

If landlords fail to reply within this timeframe, permission will be automatically granted.

Also, the proposals exempt assistance animals, such as guide dogs or those trained to detect health conditions, from requiring landlord approval altogether.

‘Landlords should not be able to forbid’ pets

Ms Chapman said: “Guide dogs and service animals that detect seizures and other health conditions play a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of many.

“They are vital companions which landlords should not be able to forbid from living in homes where they are needed.”

She adds: “Every step the Scottish Greens are taking in this Bill is to boost renters’ rights to live in the homes they pay for and fully utilise the space, without having landlords call all of the shots.

“I hope my colleagues from across the Parliament will join me and support these changes to improve renters’ rights and lives overall.”