Animal campaigners recruit MPs to argue for renters' rights

Two animal charities - Cats Protection and Dogs Trust - have started recruiting MPs to their campaign in favour of pets being allowed in private rental properties. 

The Renters Reform Bill, currently awaiting Second Reading in the House of Commons, says renters will be given the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will also be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.

An event on behalf of the two charities has now been held at the Commons sponsored by Labour MP Kim Leadbeater, who says: “It was a privilege to welcome Dogs Trust and Cats Protection to Parliament to share their pet friendly housing work. The new Renters (Reform) Bill contains much-needed measures to give renters the joy of experiencing pet ownership, and it was great to have so many parliamentary colleagues attend the event and share their support for this campaign.”

Housing minister Rachel Maclean adds: “Every family deserves a safe and secure home. As a dog lover myself, I am committed to championing pet-friendly housing and delivering the Renters Reform Bill so that, when it’s reasonable, renters can welcome four-legged family members into their homes. 

“Cats Protection and Dogs Trust have shown that embracing pet owners as tenants has several positive impacts, including on the longevity of tenancy agreements, and tenants’ mental health. I am delighted to share my support for their work.”

The move to win over MPs comes after Dogs Trust reported a record number of enquiries from people being forced to re-home their dogs as they struggle to meet their needs as the cost of living continues to rise. Around one in ten of those owners calling Dogs Trust charity cite issues with housing as the reason for needing to re-home their dog. This includes people being forced to move or downsize as rental prices increase, but are unable to find suitable, affordable pet-friendly properties.

Meanwhile, Cats Protection says that last year it took in around 1,300 cats – the equivalent of at least three cats each day – due to landlords not allowing them in their properties, making it the eighth most-cited reason as to why cats are given up to the charity.

Both charities say they will continue to work with the government to ensure the details of the proposals benefit both renters and landlords "in a way which is fair and reasonable."