Landlords are getting their hackles up over a law that would give tenants the right to keep pets.
The bill would mean owners could move without the danger of having to give up their beloved cats and dogs – but there are fears it would lead to landlords raising rent or even charging extra for animals.
MP Andrew Rosindell, who is pushing for 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.”
The Tory MP has this week been in talks with landlords over his Dogs and Domestic Animals bill, telling them it will not mean tenants have an “unconditional right” to keep pets.
The Romford MP says owners would need to pass a responsible ownership test and a checklist would include dogs being vaccinated, microchipped and responsive to basic commands.
“The bill will include measures to ensure that pets are suitable for the type of accommodation,” he told the National Residential Landlords Association.
“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.”
The bill is known as Jasmine’s Law after a weimaraner owned by the Adams family in Surrey was barred from living in a rented house.
It had its first reading in the Commons with cross-party support. A second reading has been scheduled for January 29.
France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland have all outlawed blanket restrictions on pets in rented homes.
But landlord Fred Cowler said: “If it does become law, I’d want guarantees that damage and extra costs would and could be covered by the tenant.”
The law is being backed by a number of animal charities.
Clare Kivlehan, from Dogs Trust, said: “One of the main reasons for dogs handed to us is problems finding accommodation that will accept pets.”
