Pet-Friendly Renters' Rights a "Huge Step Forward" but more to be done, say Leading Animal Charities

• Earlier today, the Renters Reform Bill completed its journey through Parliament 

• Tenant will have the right to request permission to keep a pet in their home 

• Accommodation issues one of the most common reasons pets relinquished to Dogs Trust and Cats Protection 

Dogs Trust and Cats Protection, two of the UK's largest animal charities, have today welcomed a landmark change in renters' rights that will make it easier for tenants to keep pets. 

The Renters Reform Bill successfully completed its journey through Parliament today and marks a significant step forward for pet-owning renters. Once the legislation receives Royal Assent, tenants will have the right to request permission to keep a pet in their home - a request landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse. 

This is a major victory for Dogs Trust and Cats Protection, who have jointly campaigned for years to address the difficulties faced by renters with pets. Until now, tenants had no legal right to keep a pet. The new law will allow tenants to have a pet where that request is a reasonable one. 

While both charities welcome this huge step in the rights of animal loving tenants with existing tenancy agreements, both Dogs Trust and Cats Protection would like to see more done to encourage landlords to accept new tenants with pets.  
 
Dogs Trust receives thousands of handover enquiries from dog owners struggling with the lack of pet-friendly housing. So far this year, around 15% of handover enquiries received by the charity cite accommodation issues.   

Meanwhile, Cats Protection says that in 2024 it took in over 1,000 cats due to landlords not allowing them in their properties, making it the tenth most-cited reason as to why cats are given up to the charity.  

Research conducted by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection reveals a clear disconnect. While 46% of landlords say they allow pets, only 30% of tenants say their rental agreement allows dogs, and 32% say cats are permitted. 

In over a third of cases where pets are not allowed, the landlord did not base the decision on specific tenants or animals but instead relied on generic advice or standard templates. 

The data also shows that accepting pets could benefit landlords: 26% of tenants said they would stay in a rental property longer if pets were allowed — reducing turnover and providing greater tenancy stability. 
 
Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says: 

"These new pet-friendly renters' rights mean that the benefits of pet ownership are no longer exclusive to homeowners, something we have been campaigning on for many years. It is a game-changer for pet-loving tenants. 

"While there's no doubt this is a massive step forward in improving the availability of pet friendly accommodation, there is still more to be done. Sadly, one of the most common reasons we see dogs handed in to our rehoming centres is a change in the owner's living circumstances and a lack of available pet-friendly accommodation.  

"We urge the Government to work with the private and social rental sectors to increase confidence in renting to pet owners so that they are not disadvantaged when seeking to access suitable accommodation." 

 
Madison Rogers, Associate Director of Advocacy, Campaigns and External Affairs at Cats Protection added: 

"This new law will help to unlock the joys of pet companionship for so many people who rent their homes. We are delighted to have been at the forefront of this campaign, together with our friends at Dogs Trust and our supporters.  

"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, pet ownership has become a privilege that has been available for people who have owned their homes and not for those who rent. It is right that the pet privilege has finally been brought to an end." 

"We cannot wait to help those who want a cat and who rent their homes, to find the right cat for them." 

To support the transition to more pet-inclusive renting, Dogs Trust offers advice and resources through its Lets with Pets scheme, while Cats Protection runs its Rent with Cats work, helping tenants, landlords and housing providers navigate pet-related tenancy issues.