Government scraps Tenancy Agreement banning pets

The government has announced it will be scrapping a new Tenancy Agreement which would have allowed landlords to enforce a “blanket ban” on pets.

Under the new agreement, consent for pets will be the default position and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant.

The move has been welcomed by pet organisations as it allows more renters in England to keep “well-behaved” pets and prevents landlords from issuing said blanket bans.

Dr Ed Hayes, head of Public Affairs at The Kennel Club, said: “This clause within the new Model Tenancy Agreement is certainly a step in the right direction, encouraging responsible pet ownership as well as benefiting animal welfare.

“According to government figures, currently just 7% of private landlords advertise pet-friendly properties and most contracts don’t allow them, meaning many caring and responsible owners struggle to find a suitable home with their pet.”

He added: “In some cases, this can also lead to people having to make a heart-breaking decision to unwillingly give up their pet all together.”