In England: The Renters (Reform) Bill
In Wales: The Renting Homes (Wales) Act
Renting with Pets can be difficult. The BBC found that out of 120,000 rentals listed on Zoopla, only a small percentage allowed pets at their properties.
With many thousands of tenants having a pet, many people are forced out of properties or, take the heart breaking decision to give up their family pets. However, things are about to change.
Under the Renters (Reform) Bill which is currently being considered by Parliament, tenants will have the legal right to request a pet in their home. The Landlord will not be able to refuse any reasonable request.
In Wales, a tenant can ask to have a pet living with them and a landlord has 28 days in which to reply with details of why he/she/they are unprepared to accept a pet. If a Landlord misses the 28 day deadline, then they are deemed to have accepted the pet. If they decline and their reasons are not acceptable, then the tenant can make an application to Court and the Landlord could be ordered to pay those costs.
So it is looking a lot more promising now for families and their beloved pets. If you have any questions, then please phone our dedicated housing team at NewBold who will be very happy to assist you.
Disclaimer: the above does not constitute legal advice.