Pets And UK Rental Market – Changes Coming?

(Posted on 05/03/21)

We know there are very different views on the thoughts of pets in rental property.

For tenants, pets are part of their family and treated like a loved one. Knowing it is hard, if not impossible, to find viable rental accommodation when looking to rent property is a challenge for tenants.

However, it is easy to see why many landlords would prefer to not let property to tenants with pets. The time taken to clean rental property where a pet has been living, not to mention the cost, is a major issue for many landlords.

Therefore, many landlords have applied a blanket ban on letting to tenants with pets. However, this approach is no longer encouraged.

The Government says landlords are no longer able to issue a blanket ban on pets. A statement released at the time said; “Instead, consent for pets will be the default position, and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.”

If you would like to discuss this issue, or any current letting matter, please contact Ashton & Grosvenor today.

What do landlords think about the current situation?

Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP commented: “We are a nation of animal lovers and over the last year more people than ever before have welcome pets into their lives and homes. But it can’t be right that only a tiny fraction of landlords advertise pet-friendly properties and in some cases, people have had to give up their beloved pets in order to find somewhere to live.”

The Housing Minister continued by saying; “Through the changes to the tenancy agreement we are making today, we are bringing an end to the unfair blanket ban on pets introduced by some landlords. This strikes the right balance between helping more people find a home that’s right for them and their pet while ensuring landlords’ properties are safeguarded against inappropriate or badly-behaved pets.”

Should landlords allow tenants with pets?

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government, issued a tweet on the matter. The tweet stated; “Too few renters can enjoy the pleasure and companionship of pets. We’ve updated the standard tenancy agreement to make allowing well behaved pets the norm – and are encouraging all landlords and agents to adopt it.”

Mark Hayward, Chief Policy Adviser of Propertymark comments: “Whilst we acknowledge that allowing pets can make a property more desirable and encourage tenants to rent for longer, even the best-behaved pets will have an impact on a property. The UK Government must recognise the impact of their decision to cap deposits and the knock-on costs that landlords face. This is a complex issue that is determined on a case-by-case basis highlighting the need for landlords to get advice from a professional letting agent.”

Jen Berezai, Co-founder of AdvoCATS, comments: “AdvoCATS welcomes the new Model Tenancy Agreement announced by the Ministry of Housing, it’s fantastic news and a huge step forward for all those who have campaigned for change. Now, responsible pet owning tenants, many of whom have previously been forced to choose between their pet vs a roof over their heads, will find it much easier to keep their family together.”

We offer a range of letting services to landlords in Chester, including tailored options which ensure you receive the best support at all times. If you would like to arrange an appointment to help you negotiate the local buy-to-let market, please contact Ashton & Grosvenor today by calling us on 01244 318 115 or emailing us at hello@ashtonandgrosvenor.co.uk.