Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign does not ask for increased deposits

Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign does not ask for increased deposits

14:37 PM, 15th May 2024, About 7 months ago 14

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The Cats Protection charity claims the Renters Reform Bill could end the ‘pet privilege’ where only those who own their home have the right to own a pet.

However, what they do not call for is the ability to charge an increased deposit over the maximum 5 weeks to cover the risk of property damage by cats whose urine is notoriously difficult to get the smell out of fabrics and carpets along with their propensity for sratching.

Consumer Rights Act 2015 already prohibits blanket pet bans

Currently, the Consumer Rights Act 2015 prohibits unfair terms in a contract such as a blanket ban on keeping pets in a tenancy. This means if a tenant requests a pet to be kept at the rental property and a refusal is deemed unreasonable the agreement might be struck out if challenged in court.

Cats Protection incorrectly say blanket ‘no pet’ policies are unfair and deny millions of animal lovers the chance to own a companion pet.

Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Cats Protection Annabel Berdy said: “We have an incredibly outdated and unfair approach when it comes to pets and renting the UK, where blanket ‘no pets’ policies are the norm. There doesn’t appear to be any sound basis for this, given the evidence that shows pet owners stay longer in their homes, and that the vast majority of pets cause no damage.

Refusing pets creates a ‘pet privilege’

“Refusing pets creates a ‘pet privilege’, where people who own their homes can benefit from the companionship of a pet but people in rented housing are either banned from pet ownership or will find it very difficult. Even if people do find rented housing that allows pets, they live in fear of a change in circumstances as they are fully aware of how difficult it will be to find another pet-friendly property. Renters pay a huge proportion of their income on fees and rent, so they should be able to treat that property as a home.

“Pet ownership is important to millions of people, helping us feel settled and providing companionship to all sorts of people. Many of us can recall our first childhood pet with great fondness – but the reality is that we are denying that special experience to a generation of children.”


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GlanACC

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18:18 PM, 16th May 2024, About 7 months ago

I am sorry, but cats protection can do no wrong.

My kids don't want my properties when I peg it so I might just leave one or two to cats protection.

Neil Patterson

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18:47 PM, 16th May 2024, About 7 months ago

Reply from Cats Protection:

"Cats Protection understands that some landlords may be reluctant to allow cats in their properties. However, research shows that pet owners stay longer in their homes, and that the vast majority of pets cause no damage[i]. Through our Purrfect Landlords campaign, we’ve been working hard to highlight the benefits of pet ownership in the rented sector to both landlords and tenants.

Pet-owning tenants face real challenges in finding suitable housing, and this is why the Renters Reform Bill contains a clause to give tenants a right to request a pet which cannot be unreasonably refused. Our own research shows as few as 9% of landlords currently advertise their properties as allowing pets. We see three cats a day handed into our care due to landlord-related reasons such as blanket ‘no pet’ policies.

Unfortunately, the Consumer Rights Act makes no explicit mention of pets. It refers to ‘unfair terms’, and whether this would include a ban on pets within a tenancy has not been tested. We believe it would be unrealistic for the average renter to have the access and means to challenge this in court. This is why the Renters Reform Bill is needed – to explicitly and clearly set out that landlords must not ban pets without good reason.

The proposed Renters Reform Bill contains a specific provision to enable landlords to require tenants to take out insurance (at their own expense) to cover any pet-related damage. We believe this provides suitable reassurance and peace of mind for landlords and removes the need for increased deposits to cover any damage.

Our website contains a wealth of information to help landlords and tenants so that pet ownership can be a benefit to both parties. For more information, please visit cats.org.uk/purrfectlandlords"

Cathie

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19:37 PM, 16th May 2024, About 7 months ago

Again the bad tenant ruins things for the good ones. IF we could quickly remove a bad tenant AND they had consequences including cleaning up their mess/damage, then we would be less reluctant to accept pets (or bad tenants).

How many pets are not looked after well and how many left abandoned by tenants that up and leave?

I allow pets in all but one of mine (a flat) but (hopefully) have good tenants. 🤞🏻.

philip allen

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16:11 PM, 18th May 2024, About 7 months ago

No, they can have a virtual reality pet as they play their computer games. No cost to feed, no vet's bills and no premium to pay to their landlord for damage inflicted by claws, urine, fleas, fur, etc. Oh, and I love cats. I just can't eat more than one at a time.

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