Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, whether his Department is taking steps to provide guidance to (a) landlords and (b) property agents on (i) accepting tenants with pets and (ii) promoting responsible pet ownership.

Further to the answer given to Question UIN 185473 on 22 May 2023, the Government knows that Pets can bring a huge amount of joy to their owners. We are committed to supporting responsible pet ownership in the private rented sector. The Renters (Reform) Bill will ensure landlords do not unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home, with the tenant able to challenge unfair decisions.

This does not mean that there will be a blanket obligation on all landlords to accept any pet in every property. We will publish full guidance for landlords and tenants before new rules come into place. Such guidance will help clarify the situation for all sides.

We know that some landlords are concerned about potential damage caused by pets. That is why the Renters (Reform) Bill will allow landlords to require insurance covering pet damage. This will provide landlords with reassurance that any damage caused by a pet can be taken care of, and that the responsibility for preventing and resolving damage caused by a pet will fall to the tenant.

I am happy to discuss this matter further with my Hon. Friend.