Half of renters would get pets if rules were changed, survey shows

• The Renters' Rights Bill, introduced in September 2024, aims to improve conditions for private tenants, specifically making it easier to own pets.
• Under the proposed new rules, landlords will be required to provide a valid and fair reason if they deny a tenant's request to keep a pet.
• A survey by Go Compare pet insurance indicates that 42 per cent of renters would choose to get an animal once the bill takes effect, potentially allowing one million more households to have pets.
• The bill is expected to come into effect between October 2025 and January 2026, with new pet owners likely to favour cats (56 per cent) or dogs (52 per cent).
• The government previously abandoned plans for landlords to charge an extra three weeks' deposit for pets or to mandate pet damage insurance for tenants.

IN FULL

Renters reform bill could result in one million new pet owners