Imagine having to choose between keeping your pet - who for many are members of the family - or your home. Awful, right? A new law could give tenants the right to keep pets in their privately rented accommodation and landlords are already not happy about it.
If the bill is passed it would mean that pet owners would no longer have to choose between keeping their beloved pets or their home when moving to rented property.
However, there are fears that the bill could encourage landlords to add extra charges or raise rents to accommodate pets.
The change is being led by Tory MP Andrew Rosindell, who said: "Sadly, pet owners moving into rented accommodation face the reality that their family could be torn apart because most landlords have unnecessary bans on pet ownership."
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This week, the member of the House of Commons for Romford, east London, has had discussions with landlords over the Dogs and Domestic Animals bill, explaining to them that it will not mean that tenants have an 'unconditional right' to own pets in their properties.
He explained that anyone wanting to bring a pet into a property must pass a 'responsible ownership test'. There would also likely be a checklist that must be fulfilled including a record of vaccinations, microchipping and being responsive to basic commands.
The conditions all seem to be aimed at owners of rowdy canines rather than cats who we love because they don't follow commands!
The proposed bill has been dubbed Jasmine's law, after a Weimaraner dog that was owned by a family from Surrey was not allowed to live in their rented house. Now that we all spend more time at home than ever before in 2020 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, more people have been looking to add a pet pooch to their family to keep them company.
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Rosindell told the National Residential Landlords Association: "The bill will include measures to ensure that pets are suitable for the type of accommodation,
"The no-pet clause means someone cannot have a dog over for even a short period for fear of recriminations or losing their home. Such discrimination must now end."
There is growing cross-party support for the bill, and a second reading is scheduled for 29th January 2021.
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