Additional note: new Renters’ Rights Bill
Updated 23 October 2024
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The previous Conservative government’s Renters (Reform) Bill had progressed through its second reading at the time the General Election was called in May 2024, but it was not passed before the closure of parliament. The new Labour government has introduced a related Renters’ Rights Bill, which had its first reading in the House of Commons on 11 September 2024.
The ASC published a Report in January 2024 on the extent to which due regard was paid to animals in the Renters (Reform) Bill. One of the ASC’s concerns was that tenants would be obliged to wait a period of up to 42 +7 days from requesting permission to keep a pet until receiving a response from the landlord. This would mean that they either keep any existing pet under the new tenancy initially without permission or make alternative arrangements for their pet which would have animal welfare implications (for example stress) during this waiting period. One of the recommendations of the ASC’s Report was that the welfare needs of existing pets should be considered further, particularly the need to avoid disruption and the risk of re-homing at the start of a tenancy.
The new Renters’ Rights Bill proposes a reduction in the waiting period to 28 + 7 days, in line with the ASC’s recommendation. The ASC welcomes this change which should reduce the stress and disruption caused to pets.
The other recommendations made by in the ASC Report remain relevant as guidance is drawn up on the new Renters’ Rights Bill.