New Law Would Give People Rights To Own Pets In Rented Accommodation, But Landlords Aren't Too Happy About It

Those who have a pet and are looking to rent a place are usually up for quite a challenge. There are lots of landlords who oppose people having pets in their homes. Therefore, many have to make a dreadful choice: either keeping your pet or your home.

Luckily, a new law proposed in the UK could give tenants the right to keep pets in their rented houses and apartments, but landlords are already not very happy about it. If the new bill gets passed, it would give pet owners the right to keep their beloved pets when moving to a rented property. However, there are concerns that the law could encourage landlords to add extra charges or even raise rent altogether for those wanting to accommodate their pets.

Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, who is pushing for a change, said: "sadly, pet owners moving into rented accommodation face the reality that their family could be torn apart because most landlords have unnecessary bans on pet ownership."

Last week, the member of the House of Commons for Romford has been in discussions with landlords over the Dogs and Domestic Animals bill. They explained to landlords that the new bill will not mean that tenants have an "unconditional right" to own pets in their properties.

He explained that anyone who wants to bring a pet into a rented property would have to pass a "responsible ownership test," including a checklist that would be fulfilled with vaccinations, microchipping, and being responsive to basic commands. The conditions must be aimed at canines, though, as we can all testify that no cat (with a few exceptions) will answer to your commands.

The proposed law has been dubbed Jasmine's Law, after a Weimaraner dog whose family from Surrey, UK were not allowed to keep her in their rented house. MP Andrew Rosindell told the National Residential Landlords Association: "The bill will include measures to ensure that pets are suitable for the type of accommodation. The no-pet clause means someone cannot have a dog over for even a short period for fear of recriminations or losing their home. Such discrimination must now end."

However, a landlord Fred Cowler said while talking to The Mirror: "If it does become law, I'd want guarantees that damage and extra costs would and could be covered by the tenant."

A second reading for the bill is scheduled for January 29, 2021, and there's growing cross-party support for the initiative. Similar bills have been already passed in France, Belgium, Germany, and Switzerland.