New rules mean landlords can no longer automatically ban tenants from having pets in their property.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has announced new guidelines around common household pets, bringing the UK one step closer to banning landlords from refusing tenants with animals.
The move marks a breakthrough for many tenants who currently face eviction for bringing animals into their home.
Currently, just 7% of private landlords advertise pet friendly properties, the government said, meaning many people struggle to find suitable homes.
In some cases, this has meant tenants have had to give up their pets all together.
But, the Ministry of Housing has now introduced a new standard tenancy agreement template which is the recommended contract that landlords should use.
Under the new Model Tenancy Agreement, landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket bans on pets.
Instead, consent for pets will be the default position and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.
It hopes to put a stop landlords who issue blanket bans on pets without good reason.
The new rules mean that landlords who object will have to do so writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant.
They'll also have to provide a valid reason, such as the property size or surrounding issues, such as a block of flats where owning a pet could be impractical.
Housing minister Christopher Pincher said: "It can't be right that only a tiny fraction of landlords advertise pet friendly properties and in some cases people have had to give up their beloved pets in order to find somewhere to live.
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"We are bringing an end to the unfair blanket ban on pets introduced by some landlords."
However, the Model Tenancy Agreement acts as a guideline, or a template and is not legally binding.
MP Andrew Rosindell has said that the campaign to turn these proposals into law "must continue."
Andrew Rosindell MP, said: "This is a significant step. As the Housing Minister made clear in his statement, blanket bans on pets are 'unfair' and these changes are clear indications that the Government recognises the extent of the problem. I am delighted to have played a role in securing this change..
"Nevertheless, the Model Tenancy Agreement is just a template. It is not legally binding. Consequently, this campaign must continue, and we must turn these proposals into law to ensure a pet in every home."
Tenants will still be responsible for their pets and will have to pay for any damage caused to the rented property.
Landlords will also be able to charge higher deposits for tenants with pets as long as it is within the cap of five weeks' rent.
It may also cost more to rent a property if you have a pet.
Research by Generation Rent in 2019 found tenants were being charged up to £600 a year more in rent if they've got pets.
