Understanding What the ‘Renters Reform Bill’ says in regards to Pets
As a landlord, it is crucial to be updated on the newly proposed Renters Reform Bill which is currently being read in Parliament. Here is what they are saying about Pets in private rental properties.
The Right to Keep a Pet
The proposed Bill makes it a default right for tenants to keep a pet in their rented dwelling. However, this doesn't imply an absolute right; the tenant must first request your consent. As a landlord, you must not unreasonably refuse consent. You must respond in writing to the tenant's request within 42 days.
If, at the time of giving consent for a pet, you inform the tenant that they must maintain pet damage insurance, or pay your reasonable costs of maintaining pet damage insurance, the tenant must comply.
The Key Points Of The New Regulation Are As Follows:
- It is now an implied term in assured tenancies that a tenant can keep a pet in the property if they ask for your permission.
- As a landlord, you must not unreasonably refuse consent.
- You must respond in writing to the tenant's request within 42 days.
- If you need more information about the pet, you can delay your decision by a further seven days after receiving this information.
- You can also delay your decision if you need to get consent from a superior landlord, or if you agree on a different timeline with the tenant.
Requesting More Information About The Pet
The tenant must submit their pet request in writing, including a description of the pet. If you ask for more information about the pet within the initial 42-day period, you can delay your decision for a further seven days after receiving the additional information. If the tenant fails to provide this information, you're not obligated to give or refuse consent.
Insurance and Indemnity for Pets
In addition, the new rules make provision for insurance and indemnity related to pets:
- If, at the time of giving consent for a pet, you inform the tenant that they must maintain pet damage insurance, or pay your reasonable costs of maintaining pet damage insurance, the tenant must comply.
- The costs may include premiums for an insurance policy that covers pet damage or an additional premium attributable to the pet damage element of a policy that covers other risks as well.
If you have any further questions or require assistance understanding what the Bill is proposing, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
It is also important to remember that the Bill has not yet passed and has to go through many readings in parliament before it reaches Royal Assent. You can follow the progress here.
Contact Greater London Properties today for more information 0207 734 4062.