NOAH launches campaign to protect renters with pets
Around 78 per cent of pet owners experience problems finding a suitable rental property.
A campaign to better protect renters with pets has been launched by the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH).
The campaign, entitled ‘Securing the Right to Rent with Pets: Making One Health Housing a Reality’ aims to promote wider adoption of the government’s new Model Tenancy Agreement and will investigate what other policies could be implemented to support pet owners and tenants.
It follows figures published by rental agency Home Made that show just 2.8 per cent of UK landlords advertise homes as suitable for tenants with pets.
Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive commented: "We understand that renting with pets comes with a level of concern for landlords, whether this is perceived fear of damage to the property or badly behaved pets – however, we truly believe that widening access to pets will actually bring benefits to landlords that outweigh these often-inflated fears.”
There are thought to be more people living in rental accommodation in the UK than ever before. According to the Office of National Statistics, the number of people renting increased from 2.8 million in 2007 to 4.5 million in 2017.
Despite this rise, the struggle to pet-friendly rental property is becoming increasingly difficult. Figures released by tenant support agency Tenants Voice show that 78 per cent of pet owners experience problems finding a suitable home to rent.
Through its campaign, NOAH will work with landlords and housing associations to maximise the benefits of pet ownership while at the same time ensuring any potential problems that could arise from pet ownership are dealt with.
Dawn continued: “The RSPCA found tenants who are given permission to look after a pet in their rental property were likely to live in that property for twice as long compared to other tenants – creating long-term, secure tenants for landlords. Allowing responsibly kept pets also increases the pool of prospective renters for properties, meaning landlords are far less likely to struggle to find tenants, and will, in turn, have a more secure stream of income.”
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.
