Pet rights for renters step closer after bill passes second reading
The bill has now passed to the committee stage of its journey through Parliament.
New rights that would make it easier for renters to keep a pet are a step closer to becoming law after the Renters’ Rights Bill passed its second reading in the House of Commons.
Under the bill, landlords will be unable to unreasonably refuse a request from a tenant to keep a pet. The changes will also offer protection to landlords, as they will be able to require that the tenant has pet insurance that covers any damage to the property.
Similar legislation had been proposed by the previous government, but had failed to pass through Parliament before the general election.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will now be scrutinised by a Public Bill Committee which is expected to report to the House of Commons by 28 November.
The progress of the bill has been welcomed by animal welfare charities on the grounds that it will reduce the number of people having to give up pets because of lack of suitable accommodation and make it easier for tenants who want pets to become pet owners.
Harriet Main, public affairs manager at the RSPCA, said: “This is an important step forward for a proposed law which will help all those who have been unfairly denied the chance to own a pet purely because of living in rental accommodation.
“Pets should absolutely be allowed to live with their owners in suitable, rented accommodation - unless there is a justifiable reason not to do so. The RSPCA hopes this new law will not only help keep loving owners and their pets together; but open up pet ownership to millions of people living in the private rented sector.”
Annabel Berdy, senior advocacy and government relations officer at Cats Protection, added: “Pet ownership can bring so much to people’s lives - whether it’s providing company for older people, helping children learn about responsibility or being a comfort for people with health conditions.
“Sadly though, this is increasingly becoming a privilege that is only available for people who own their own home. This cannot be right, and we hope this new law will finally end the cruel pet privilege that denies so many people a chance to own a pet.”
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Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
