Animal charities including Cats Protection and Dogs Trust are celebrating the introduction of the new Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force in England on 1 May. The law gives new rights to people living in rented properties, making it much easier to have a pet.
Under the new law, renters have the right to request a cat or dog. Landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request and must respond within 28 days.
To make a request, tenants simply need to apply in writing with basic information about the pet they wish to request. Landlords can ask for more details, but once provided, they must make a decision within seven days.
In most cases, requests for a single cat or dog should be considered reasonable and the experts at Cats Protection and Dogs Trust can help ensure renters choose the right pet for their home.
Advice for renters:
- Check your tenancy agreement if you have one and confirm you are making a formal written request
- Clearly state whether you wish to keep a cat or dog
- Include key details such as age, breed, vaccination and neutering status
- Explain how you’ll care for the pet and how you will protect the property
- Provide reassurance about cleaning, damage prevention and responsible ownership
- Keep a copy of all correspondence and note response deadlines
- Remember: landlords must respond within 28 days and cannot unreasonably refuse
Renters wanting to adopt a cat should visit the Cats Protection website www.cats.org.uk/what-we-do/campaigning/cat-friendly-rentals/private-tenants where they will find free tenant letter and cat CV templates.
For dogs, renters should visit Dogs Trust at www.dogstrust.org.uk/housing for next steps, FAQs, email templates and free resources to support you.
Cats Protection Advocacy & Government Relations Manager, Annabel Berdy, said: “Over the last five years, landlords refusing pets has consistently been one of the top reasons cats are given up for rehoming at our centres, so this new law is a real game-changer for tenants and animal welfare.
“Pets can transform their owners’ lives, particularly in supporting mental health and wellbeing. Companion animals can ease loneliness, provide comfort, establish routine and bring joy into the home. This legislation gives renters the confidence to ask without fear of being unfairly turned away.”
Dogs Trust Pet Friendly Housing Lead, Jennifer Leonard, said: “Across the UK, one in seven requests we receive from people wishing to hand over care of their dog is due to a housing-related issue.
“Now, we hope that fewer renters will face the heartbreaking choice between finding a safe place to live and keeping their beloved pet. The new legislation, alongside our resources on responsible pet ownership, provides clarity to landlords and tenants and will allow more people to benefit from the joy that pets can bring.”
Further information can be found at www.gov.uk/renters-rights and www.gov.uk/guidance/renting-out-your-property-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents/if-a-tenant-wants-a-pet-to-live-with-them.
South West Durham News covering news across County Durham.
