New law would end ‘blanket bans’ on pets in private rented sector
A new law which could keep pets with their loving owners in private rented accommodation in England is one step closer to reality.
On Wednesday (9 October), the UK Government’s Renters’ Rights Billcompleted its second reading in the House of Commons – and will now go onto committee stage.
Landlords can presently impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties – without providing a justifiable reason.
But that could soon change – with the new law including plans to give tenants in England a legal right to request keeping a pet; and stating that such requests cannot be unreasonably refused by landlords.
The RSPCA has long campaigned for the change – at a time when many of its rescue centres are “jam-packed” with rescue pets looking for suitable new homes.
Blanket bans on pet ownership can prevent prospective owners from adding pets to their family – fuelling the rehoming challenge faced by charities, including the RSPCA.
Harriet Main, Public Affairs Manager at the RSPCA, said: “This is an important step forward for a proposed law which will help all those who have been unfairly denied the chance to own a pet purely because of living in rental accommodation.
“Pets should absolutely be allowed to live with their owners in suitable, rented accommodation – unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so. The RSPCA hopes this new law will not only help keep loving owners and their pets together; but open up pet ownership to millions of people living in the private rented sector.
“We’ve campaigned for this change for many years – and look forward to working with the UK Government and MPs to ensure it now becomes a reality. As the cost of living crisis continues, many of our animal centres are full to bursting with pets looking for a second chance of happiness.
“We know, if passed into English law, countless renters will now get the chance to rehome a rescue pet, and pets will get the legal recognition they deserve – so this really is good news for animal welfare.”
New figures show that in 2023, 42% more animals arrived at the RSPCA than were adopted.
Last year, while the RSPCA’s 14 rehoming centres and 135 independently-run branches found new homes for an incredible 28,208 dogs, cats, rabbits and other pets, that was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that arrived at the shelters across England and Wales.
To help tackle the criss, the RSPCA – marking its 200th anniversary this year – is launching an ‘Adoptober’ rehoming campaign this month; but many animal lovers living in the private rented sector currently won’t be allowed to adopt due to restrictions from their landlords.
Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA team finding places for rescued animals, said: “Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and across the board, we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming.
“That’s why any change to the law which allows more people to experience the joys of responsible pet ownership is great news for the RSPCA, and for animals.”
Sadly, the current framework can also leave existing owners facing the potentially heartbreaking prospect of having to give up an animal to access somewhere to live.
The last UK Government published model tenancy agreements that encouraged allowing pets to be the default position in England’s rented sector – but they were not legally binding.
Follow-up plans to legislate fell by the wayside when Parliament was dissolved before July’s UK General Election.
Patch needs a new home
Pets in the RSPCA’s care who could benefit from a change in legislation include long stay dog Patch.
The RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branchare doing all they can to spread the word about four-year Patch, who has been left completely bald due to a severe skin allergy – and is struggling to find a new home.
But staff say he is a wonderful dog; sweet and kind, with so much love to give.
Patchwas taken in by the RSPCA due to concerns about his condition when his previous owners couldn’t afford the cost of treatment to manage his allergies. He arrived at RSPCA Halifax, Huddersfield, Bradford & District Branch sore, itchy and uncomfortable.
Poor Patch has a severe allergy to dust mites and birch pollen, and his skin gets incredibly itchy and sore. Thankfully, he has been responding well to his medication and his fur is even starting to grow back!
His new owners will need to be aware of the added costs of managing his allergies. His care plan can change from season to season and will depend on how his condition improves with time – but the team will help any potential adopters with this.
More pets looking for a new home in RSPCA care this Adoptober can be found on the charity’s Find a Pet web pages.
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