TENANTS should not be restricted from keeping pets by landlords, the Scottish Greens have said.
The party has lodged amendments to the Housing (Scotland) Bill, currently making its way through the Scottish Parliament, to make it easier for renters to keep pets and service animals in their homes.
Current rules mean that if a tenant wants to keep a pet, they must make a request to their landlord, who has 42 days to respond.
The Scottish Greens amendment would reduce this to 14 days. And, no response from the landlord would be taken as permission.
These changes are backed by charity organisations such as Dogs Trust, Cats Protection and Sight Scotland.
MSP Maggie Chapman, who lodged the amendments, said: “Pets are part of the family, and in some cases are working to keep people safe every day.
“Dogs, cats and other animals are important for many people’s physical and mental health, and they play an important role in decreasing loneliness.
“In a world where many feel isolated, having a pet for companionship in return for our care can make us feel valued and get us out of the house more often too.”
Chapman added that tenants have “every right” to keep pets without having to ask permission from landlords.
“Too often, requests are ignored or delayed which leads to uncertainty and stress for people with pets, or people hoping to have one,” she said.
“Guide dogs and service animals that detect seizures and other health conditions play a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of many. They are vital companions which landlords should not be able to forbid from living in homes where they are needed.
“Every step the Scottish Greens are taking in this Bill is to boost renters' rights to live in the homes they pay for and fully utilise the space, without having landlords call all of the shots.
“I hope my colleagues from across the Parliament will join me and support these changes to improve renters rights and lives overall.”
The Housing Bill also contains plans for rent controls.
The Scottish Government’s plan would see increases capped by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rate of inflation plus 1%, up to a maximum of 6%.
Meanwhile, the Greens proposals would instead cap rent by the CPI, earnings growth or 6%, whichever is lowest.
The amendments are set to be scrutinised on Tuesday by the Local Government, Housing and Planning Committee.
We previously told how an investigation by The National found that hundreds of landlords tried to raise rents above limits set by the Scottish Government, before the protections ended earlier this year.
