Will the Renters’ Rights Bill truly help Pet Owner-Tenants?

The Renters’ Rights Bill has some promising ideas to help tenants with pets, but how much it will actually change things depends on how it works alongside existing laws and whether landlords fully embrace the new rules.

What will the Renters’ Rights Bill do for Pet Owners?

1. The Right to Ask for a Pet
   Under the new rules, tenants can formally REQUEST permission to keep a pet, and landlords can’t just say no without a good reason. This stops landlords from banning pets outright in tenancy agreements.

2. Reasonable Refusals Only
   If a landlord wants to say no, they’ll need to have a valid reason, like the property not being suitable for pets or other specific concerns. They can’t just refuse because they feel like it.

3. Tenant Responsibilities
   Tenants might have to get pet insurance to cover any damage their furry friends might cause. This is designed to reassure landlords while giving tenants more freedom.

How Other Laws Come Into Play

The Renters’ Rights Bill isn’t the only thing to think about—there are existing laws that pet owners and landlords still need to follow:

1. Dangerous Dogs Act 1991

   • This law bans certain breeds of dogs (like Pit Bull Terriers and Japanese Tosas) and places strict rules on owning dogs that might pose a danger.

   • Landlords can refuse pet requests if the dog falls under this law or if they believe it could be unsafe in shared areas.

2. Animal Welfare Act 2006

   • Pet owners have a duty of care under this law, which means they need to make sure their pets are properly looked after.

   • If a property isn’t suitable for keeping a pet (like a big dog in a tiny flat with no garden), the landlord might refuse the request on welfare grounds.

3. Housing Act 1988

   • While the Renters’ Rights Bill helps protect tenants with pets, landlords can still take action if a pet causes damage or breaks tenancy rules. For example, if a pet wrecks the carpets or creates a nuisance, a landlord could potentially end the tenancy.

What’s Good About the Bill?

• Fewer No-Pet Policies
  Tenants with pets should have a better chance of finding a home without running into automatic "no pets allowed" rules.

• A Fairer Approach
  Landlords can’t just refuse without giving a proper reason, and tenants will have the chance to challenge unfair decisions. However, tenants should provide a detailed and in-depth ‘Pet Profile’ to assist the landlord in their decision making within the relevant time-frames.

What Could Be Tricky?

1. What Counts as ‘Reasonable’?
   Landlords still have room to say no if they feel the property isn’t right for a pet. Terms like "reasonable refusal" could end up being argued over, especially if the Dangerous Dogs Act is involved.

2. Extra Costs for Tenants
   Pet insurance could be an extra financial hurdle for tenants, especially if it’s pricey.

3. Landlords Might Still Be Cautious
   Even with new rules, some landlords might look for ways to avoid renting to pet owners altogether, like focusing on other types of tenants.

4. Property Limitations
   Not every property will be suitable for pets—flats without outdoor space, for example, may still be a tough sell for pet owners.

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a step in the right direction for tenants with pets. It gives them more rights and makes it harder for landlords to refuse pet requests without a good reason. But it’s not a magic fix. Existing laws like the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 and the Animal Welfare Act 2006 still apply, and landlords have legitimate concerns about things like property damage and safety.

So, while the Bill has the potential to make life easier for ‘responsible’ pet owners, how much it helps will depend on how landlords, tenants, and the law work together in practice.