The new law gives tenants in England the legal right to request a pet.
More renters in England will be able to experience the joy of pet ownership thanks to new rules coming into force today (1 May).
Until now, landlords have been able to impose blanket bans on keeping pets in private rental properties without providing a justifiable reason.
Now, under the new Renters’ Rights Act, tenants will have the legal right to request keeping a pet, and landlords will be unable to “unreasonably” refuse.
The change means more families will have the chance to adopt pets, in a move which the RSPCA says could “revolutionise” pet ownership in England.
David Bowles, head of public affairs at the RSPCA, described the new law as ‘an historic day for pet ownership’.
“For too long renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership. This ends thanks to this new law,” he said.
“This change is a lifeline - not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full-to-bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.”
While a landlord cannot unreasonably refuse a request to keep a pet, they can make it a condition of the tenancy that owners maintain a valid insurance policy covering pet damage.
Alternatively, they can ask the tenant to reimburse them for the cost of their own pet-related insurance premium. The changes must reflect actual costs and cannot be used as a hidden fee.
Mr Bowles added: “Pet ownership is such a big commitment - but can be so rewarding. At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters’ Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country - and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis”.
Two independent vets have launched a podcast to help owners strengthen their bond with pets. Dr Maggie Roberts and Dr Vanessa Howie, who have worked in both veterinary practice and major charities, are keen to use their experience to enable people to give pets a better life.
