New plans will make it easier for people renting to own pets
Renters will be able to ask for their pet to join them
Renters in England are being given more rights under new plans announced by the government today, including the right to request a pet, which the landlord can't 'unreasonably refuse'.
Many landlords advertise their properties as only available to people without pets, making it much harder for those with fluffy friends to find a place to live.
The measures will form part of the Renters Reform Bill, as announced in the Queen’s Speech, to be introduced in this parliamentary session.
What other rights are planned for renters?
As well as the plan for pets, the bill sets out proposals to make it illegal for landlords or agents to place blanket bans on renting to families with children or those in receipt of benefits.
The Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper marks a generational shift, according to the Government, which will redress the balance between landlords and the 4.4 million privately renting households across England.
The decent homes living standard will be extended to the private sector, meaning homes must be free from serious health and safety hazards, and landlords must keep homes in a good state of repair so renters have clean, appropriate and useable facilities.
“No fault” Section 21 evictions that allow landlords to terminate tenancies without giving any reason will be outlawed.
More than a fifth of private renters who moved in 2019 and 2020 did not end their tenancy by choice, the Government said.
A new Private Renters’ Ombudsman will be created to enable disputes between private renters and landlords to be settled quickly, and at a relatively low cost, without having to go to court.
A "game-changer"
Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “The Renters Reform Bill is a game changer for England’s 11 million private renters. Scrapping unfair evictions will level the playing field. For the first time in a long time, tenants will be able to stand up to bad behaviour instead of living in fear.
“This White Paper promises people safety and security in their home, and it makes clear that landlords need to play by the rules. Gone will be the days of families being uprooted and children forced to move school after being slapped with a Section 21 no-fault eviction for no good reason.
Living with dogs
1. Everything in the house is furry
We love our furry friends but one hug with them and we are covered. The hair roller is an essential item in any dog household.
2. The wake up call
Who needs an alarm clock when the dog is up and on your bed, ready to go at 6am?! Good job they're adorable...
3. You have a garden assistant
If you're using your time to do some DIY in the garden, then your furry friend is sure to want to help. We didn't really need that hole over there, or there, or there, but it was nice of them to help.
4. It's like having a baby
We name them, feed them, clean them, and love them, even when they are more than a handful.
5. It's one more member of our family for us to style and accessorise
Our pooch is treated like royalty and has the toys all the cool kids want. They even have more bling than us!
6. We definitely don't need a shredder
The dog will help get rid of those documents you didn't and DID want - oops!
7. They are our newest co-worker
Whilst we are working from home our furry friend loves to join in on conference calls and be part of our working day.