Manchester landlords can no longer issue a blanket ban on pets in properties

Landlords are no longer able to issue a blanket ban on pets in properties.

As part of the new Model Tenancy Agreement announced by the government, pets will be permitted in any property as part of standard rental contracts.

Tenants still have a duty to cover the cost of any damage to the property caused by the pets.

Landlords can charge higher deposits for tenants with pets but they must not exceed the deposit cap introduced under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Landlords who do not wish to have pets on the premises need to object in writing within 28 days and provide ‘good reason’, which can include impractical amount of space for animals to live.

Current government data suggests that over half of adults in the UK own a pet, but only 7% of private landlords advertise pet-friendly properties. 

Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher said changes were made as current rules were not ‘right’ for a ‘nation of animal lovers’.

The MP said: “…only a tiny fraction of landlords advertise pet-friendly properties and in some cases, people have had to give up their beloved pets in order to find somewhere to live.

“Through the changes to the tenancy agreement we are making today, we are bringing an end to the unfair blanket ban on pets introduced by some landlords.

“This strikes the right balance between helping more people find a home that’s right for them and their pet while ensuring landlords’ properties are safeguarded against inappropriate or badly behaved pet.”

See the full Model Tenancy Agreement here.