The Current Challenge for Pet Owners

Just 7% of private landlords currently advertise pet-friendly properties. This makes it much harder for tenants to find suitable homes and, in some cases, has even forced people to give up their pets to secure accommodation. However, this is about to change, with new rules making it easier for tenants to rent with pets.

New Model Tenancy Agreement to Support Pet Owners

MPs have voted for a new standard tenancy agreement, meaning tenants in England should have an easier time finding pet-friendly properties. Under the newly announced Model Tenancy Agreement by Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP, landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket bans on pets. Instead, consent for pets will be the default position, making it the Government’s recommended contract for landlords.

What the New Rules Mean for Landlords

With more than half of UK adults owning pets and pet ownership booming during the pandemic, the changes mean more landlords will need to accommodate responsible pet owners. Under the new agreement, landlords must provide a valid reason for rejecting a pet request—such as unsuitable property size or location. If a landlord wishes to refuse, they must object in writing within 28 days of receiving a written pet request.

How Ringley and PlanetRent Are Ahead of the Curve

At Ringley, we have been ahead of the game for some time. Our lettings platform, PlanetRent, automatically generates a pet-friendly agreement for landlords, making the process simple and efficient. We also provide pet request forms through our online Gateway, ensuring an easy and streamlined process for landlords and tenants alike.

The Concerns Landlords May Have

Pets are family, and MPs are now supporting that view. However, landlords’ concerns are valid. Irresponsible pet owners can allow animals to cause costly damage to fixtures, fittings, carpets, and flooring. Pet hair, stains, and odours can also be difficult to remove between tenancies. The good news is that under the new rules, tenants will still have a legal duty to repair or cover the cost of any harm caused by their pets.

Defining a "Well-Behaved" Pet

A key challenge for landlords will be determining what qualifies as a “well-behaved” pet, as referenced by Christopher Pincher in his announcement. How can landlords gauge whether a pet is well-trained or problematic? One tenant’s “cheeky and fun-loving” dog might be another person’s noisy nuisance. Landlords could face additional challenges if neighbours complain about noise, mess, or pet-related disturbances.