Amend Tenant Fees Act to make bringing pets into rented lodging simpler, say MPs, friends and campaigners
A cross-party group of over 35 MPs and friends have joined main pet charities and landlord associations have penned an open letter to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging him to amend the Tenant Fees Act after new analysis demonstrated the unfavourable impression the Act has had on pets in rented lodging.
New knowledge in a report, “Heads for Tails”, revealed by pet charity AdvoCATS, finds that nearly one in 5 landlords who beforehand allowed pets in rented lodging have stopped doing so for the reason that passage of the Tenant Fees Act in 2019. This is as a result of, because the report explains, “the Act successfully prohibits landlords from asking for pet injury insurance coverage and it fails to incorporate a separate pet deposit as a part of its record of permitted funds.” As a outcome, many landlords have imposed a blanket ban on pets or elevated lease for pet homeowners.
The report finds that public opinion and trade opinion amongst landlords would favour the introduction of pet deposits and pet injury insurance coverage. Over half of pet-owners can be keen to take out pet injury insurance coverage if required by a landlord and three-quarters of landlords assist pet insurance coverage based on the analysis.
From conversations with insurance coverage firms, the report additionally concludes that the Tenant Fees Act has created a big barrier to the formation of a marketplace for pet injury insurance coverage.
Parliamentarians have written to Mr Jenrick urging him to “learn the hooked up report and its suggestions carefully.” Included in its record of signatories are Andrew Rosindell, Liberal Democrat chief Sir Ed Davey, Chris Bryant, APDAWG Chair Lisa Cameron, Tim Farron, APGOCATs Co-chair Andrew Gwynne, Dr Neil Hudson, Caroline Lucas, Robert Halfon and APGOCATs Chair Sheryll Murray. Quite a lot of animal welfare, landlord and housing organisations are additionally among the many signatories.
The letter was despatched by Andrew Rosindell, the M.P. for Romford who in October 2020 proposed Jasmine’s Law, a Bill which might have established the suitable to convey pets into rented lodging.
Key statistics:
- 77% of landlords say pet injury insurance coverage needs to be out there
- 51% of landlords say that the reinstatement of pet deposits would deter them from elevating the lease
- The Model Tenancy Agreement has had 72,711 complete downloads since its publication in January 2021
- 18% of landlords who allowed pets earlier than the Tenant Fees Act have stopped doing so since its passage
- 53% of pet homeowners would take out pet injury insurance coverage if required by a landlord
Andrew Rosindell, M.P. for Romford mentioned:
“Since I first proposed Jasmine’s Law to Parliament it has solely change into extra clear to me that we have to urgently discover a answer to the issue of methods to convey pets into rented lodging.
Jen Berezai’s suggestions on altering the Tenant Fees Act are clear, easy and simply achievable. They have the assist of pet charities, landlords and the general public. The Government ought to urgently be taking a look at making this modification.”
Jen Berezai, Co-founder of AdvoCATS and creator of the report mentioned:
“Data simply revealed by property big Rightmove exhibits that demand for pet pleasant properties has elevated by 120% since final summer time, but the Government’s personal statistics state that simply 7% of landlords market their properties as pet pleasant.
The equation merely doesn’t work and alter is desperately wanted.”
Sir Edward Davey, Leader of the Liberal Democrats mentioned:
“Pets are an vital a part of many households. They convey pleasure, however may also be an incredible assist in laborious occasions. I’m certain many individuals couldn’t think about going by means of the pandemic with out their pets by their sides.
Liberal Democrats hope that the federal government could make this small change to make sure that extra tenants can have their pets with them of their properties.”
Andrew Gwynne, Co-chair of APGOCATs and M.P. for Denton and Redditch mentioned:
“As a proud pet father or mother, I’m proud to be backing this cross-party marketing campaign. I do know first-hand simply how a lot pleasure pets convey, and the implausible impact they’ve in your psychological and bodily wellbeing. It doesn’t make any sense to exclude renters from these advantages.
By making this small change to the Tenant Fees Act – which is supported by tenants and landlords alike – we will make an actual distinction to renters throughout the nation who’re determined to convey a beloved pet into their house.”
Dr Neil Hudson, Veterinary Surgeon and M.P. for Penrith and The Border mentioned:
“As a vet, I do know simply how vital the bond is between individuals and their animals. These smart suggestions will enable accountable pet homeowners to have that mutual companionship with their pets of their lodging. The pandemic has introduced into sharp reduction the bodily and psychological well being advantages of responsibly proudly owning a pet.”
Sean Hooker, Head of Redress on the Property Redress Scheme mentioned:
“The problem of pets in rental properties has sparked loads of, typically emotive, debate and this battle will not be wholesome for the sector. The paper outlines a blueprint for a set of clear and honest guidelines that defend the pursuits of each tenants and their landlords.
A easy regulation change will set the framework for an understanding between the events on a pet coverage and the wants of each. I’m assured the measures, will result in much less disputes and complaints and I and the PRS, am more than happy to endorse it.”
Nigel Lewis editor of LandlordZONE mentioned:
“To clear up the ‘lets with pets’ conundrum landlords want re-assurance that there aren’t any dangers or prices hooked up to renting to tenants with pets, whereas canine and cat proudly owning renters want a scheme that allows them to unlock extra properties throughout the PRS. AdvoCATS’ proposals obtain the balanced method that’s wanted to attain each goals.”
Dawn Howard, NOAH Chief Executive mentioned:
“NOAH believes that bettering the power to share our lives with companion animals advantages each individuals and animals – not solely are the well being and wellbeing advantages of retaining pets vital for us, however widening entry to pet possession additionally means fewer animals are left with out properties, and are in a position to stay pleased, wholesome lives with their human companions.
Renting within the UK with a pet is extraordinarily difficult, with a small variety of properties on the rental market marketed as pet pleasant. We launched our marketing campaign, ‘Securing the Right to Rent with Pets’ earlier this 12 months, and are delighted to assist the ‘Heads for Tails’ report suggestions, to make this a actuality.”
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