A Cumbrian MP has joined over 35 MPs and peers in calling for an act to be amended which they say has a negative impact on pets in rented accommodation.
The cross-party group, which includes Penrith MP Dr Neil Hudson, is calling for the Tenant Fees Act to be amended as new research by pet charity AdvoCATs found that almost one in five landlords who previously allowed pets in rented accommodation have stopped doing so since the act was passed.
This is because, the report suggests, “the Act effectively prohibits landlords from asking for pet insurance and it fails to include a separate pet deposit as part of its list of permitted payments.” As a result, many landlords have imposed a blanket ban on pets or increased rent for pet owners.
The report finds that public and industry opinion among landlords would favour the introduction of pet deposits and pet insurance. Over half of pet owners would be willing to take out pet insurance if required by a landlord and three-quarters of landlords support pet insurance according to the research.
From conversations with insurance companies, the report also claims that the act has created a significant barrier to the formation of a market for pet insurance.
Parliamentarians have written to Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government urging him to “read the attached report and its recommendations closely.”
Included in its list of signatories are Andrew Rosindell, Chris Bryant, Sir Greg Knight, Ed Davey, Caroline Lucas, Sir David Amess and the only vet in the Commons, Dr Neil Hudson.
The letter was sent by Andrew Rosindell, the MP for Romford who in October 2020 proposed Jasmine’s Law, a bill that would have established the right to bring pets into rented accommodation.
Dr Neil Hudson, vet and MP for Penrith said: “As a vet, I know just how important the bond is between people and their animals. These sensible recommendations will allow responsible pet owners to have that mutual companionship with their pets in their accommodation. The pandemic has brought into sharp relief the physical and mental health benefits of responsibly owning a pet.”
