Raining cats and dogs when it comes to rentals
Kim Leadbeater MP was among more than 50 MPs and peers at a Westminster event hosted by the UK’s leading cat and dog charities to discuss rental laws.
Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have both welcomed plans in the Renters (Reform) Bill which will give tenants the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.
Landlords will also be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.
Speaking after an event in Westminster for more than 50 MPs and peers discussing the proposed new pet friendly laws sponsor Kim Leadbeater (main picture), the Labour MP for Batley and Spen, says: “The Bill contains much-needed measures to give renters the joy of experiencing pet ownership.
“It was great to have so many parliamentary colleagues attend the event and share their support for this campaign.”
CATS
Madison Rogers, Cats Protection’s Head of Advocacy & Government Relations, adds: “For too long, renters have been denied the chance to own a pet cat simply because they rent rather than own their home.
“These new proposals will finally give renters the chance to experience the comfort, joy and companionship that comes with owning a cat, along with the security of knowing they can feel settled in their rented home.
“We were pleased to join up with our friends at Dogs Trust to highlight to politicians why these new proposals are so important to millions of people. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the Government to ensure the proposals give more renters the chance to finally own a pet in way that is fair and affordable for all.”
DOGS
And James Hickman, Head of Outreach Projects at Dogs Trust, says: “For years, we have helped pet owners find a home in the private rented sector.
“Sadly we still receive thousands of calls from desperate dog owners forced to hand them over because of issues with accommodation.
“We are thrilled to see such wide-spread backing for Dogs Trust and Cats Protection’s work advocating for a more pet-welcoming private rented sector.”
Both charities say that they will continue to work with the government to ensure the details of the proposals benefit both renters and landlords in a way which is fair and reasonable.
Lots of nice words about doggies and cats, indeed I have no issue myself with either but, not in rental properties! The fact is, it doesn’t matter how ell behaved, how clean teh pets are, there will be issues at the end of the tenancy, after 35 years in the business I can say that through experience and, if you dare to say something to a pet owner about their pet at the end of the tenancy………………………!!
I have had very well trained retrievers over a long period all quiet dogs but still had some instances of damage which its my property so we put up with it and its at our cost. Sadly I agree with Jeremy and at present I am dealing with damage where a dog left in the house and bored decided to chew all the spindles on a staircase. The bond will not cover the cost because the tenant didnt pay the last months rent why because they knew they were going to lose the bond. This is the real world that nice building in London called parliament is as close to reality as Harry Potter.