New Law Allows Pets Without Landlord Approval

Renters may soon be able to have cats and dogs in their homes, without needing permission from their landlord.

According to the Mirror, the government is looking at a new law that will prohibit landlords from banning pets in their properties.

Only seven per cent of UK landlords advertise their properties as being suitable for pets, and many tenancy agreements do not allow them, while some landlords charge ‘pet rents’ of hundreds of pounds a year.

The proposed law means that pet owners would have to pass a ‘responsible ownership test’ before being allowed to move in with their furry friend, and might include vaccinating and microchipping their pet and making sure it responds to basic commands.

The proposed law is known as the Dogs and Domestic Animals (Accommodation and Protection) Bill and it is being brought forward by the Tory MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, but is being nicknamed ‘Jasmine’s Law’, after the pet Weimaraner of a family from Surrey who was not allowed to live in their house.

Rosindell has been speaking to landlords about the proposed change, including speaking to the body that represents landlords, the NRLA. They told him they wanted landlords to be able to decide about pets on a ‘case by case basis’.

The bill will be read in parliament for the second time on 29 January, but there are still many obstacles in its path before it becomes law. It could be months or even years until the rule comes into force.

When Rosindell introduced the bill to parliament earlier this month he said: “At this time, when so many people are isolated, being able to own a dog can be vital to a person’s wellbeing and mental health. It cannot be right that so many pet owners in this country face the harsh reality that finding a place to live might mean permanent separation from their animal.”

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