Stop pets and owners being torn apart by ‘no pets’ policies says Andrew Rosindell MP.
Strict limits would be placed on the ability of landlords to include “no pets” policies in rented accommodation, in legislation to be outlined in a speech today by the Romford M.P. Andrew Rosindell.
As part of a 10 Minute Rule Bill, a type of Private Members’ Bill, the former Shadow Minister for Animal Welfare and Member of Parliament for Romford will highlight the frequently unjust way in which renters are forced to give up their beloved pets in order to move into new accommodation.
He will propose legislation backed by animal rights and animal welfare organisations, including the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home. It will prevent landlords from banning “responsible owners” from bringing pets into rented accommodation.
Recognising the concerns that landlords have, the legislation will require renters to demonstrate they are “responsible owners” with a suggested checklist including a vet’s confirmation that their pet is vaccinated, spayed/neutered, free of parasites and responsive to basic training commands in the case of dogs. In cases where the renter can prove they are a “responsible owner”, and the accommodation is suitable for their pet, the right to take a pet into rented accommodation would be assumed.
Andrew Rosindell M.P. will refer to his proposed legislation as “Jasmine’s Law”, named after a dog which was separated from its owner, Jordan Adams, because of restrictions like these. He will also highlight the tragic case of John Chadwick, a homeless man who ended his life after the only housing option his local council provided him with was one which meant separating from his beloved pets.
In the speech on Wednesday, Andrew will say that “every year, pet owners who are trying to move into new rented accommodation are faced with the reality that their family could be torn apart”, due to “no pets” clauses.
Commenting, Andrew Rosindell M.P. said:
“I’m delighted to have secured this slot to speak about an issue deeply important to me. As a dog owner for twenty five years, I understand as well as anyone the connection a person can have with their pet and for too long I have heard tragic stories of pet owners separated from their pets because of blanket bans that landlords implement.
It is a huge opportunity to increase awareness of this issue and to pressure the government to make changes that they promised earlier this year. In January the Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick rightly called on landlords to make it easier for responsible tenants to have well behaved pets in their homes, but as of yet this hasn’t been followed by any legislation.”
A spokesperson for the RSPCA said:
“The RSPCA is happy to support this Bill, which would be a big step forward for dog owning renters. With more people living in rented accommodation – whether private or social housing – the issue of the lack of dog friendly rental options is becoming an increasing problem for dog owners and animal welfare charities alike. We regularly hear from caring and responsible dog owners who are put in the heart breaking position of having to choose between their much loved pet and a home. It’s not fair that anyone is put in this situation.
The RSPCA believes that responsible dog ownership can bring huge benefits to animal and owner alike and we encourage all landlords to consider how they can work with their tenants to be dog friendly. Dog ownership can enhance the owner’s mental and physical health and encourage exercise, plus dogs make great companions – all of which has only increased in importance over the past few difficult months.
As many existing dog friendly landlords will testify, dog owners can be some of the best tenants. And with landlords’ support in encouraging responsible dog ownership measures through their tenancy agreements we could see real progress in dog welfare too.”
Deputy Chief Executive of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home said:
“Battersea welcomes Andrew Rosindell M.P. shining a spotlight on the issues faced by pet owners in rented accommodation – something we’ve highlighted with our own Pet Friendly Properties campaign.
We know the heartbreak owners feel when they’re forced to give up their pets, as housing problems are the second biggest reason behind people bringing their pets to Battersea. One in five households in London now rent from social housing providers yet many animal lovers in these properties are deprived from owning a dog or cat, despite the key role animals play in helping to tackle loneliness and isolation.
It is vital that we continue this important conversation on how people can be better supported in their accommodation to benefit from the many positive health and social benefits of owning a pet.”
Key Statistics:
- Housing is now the second biggest reason behind people giving up their dogs to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
- Pets save the NHS up to £2.45bn according toresearch by the University of Lincoln. This is because pet owners make 15% fewer trips to doctors.
- 55% of landlords do not allow their tenants to keep pets, according to Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
- As of June 2020, 34% of all UK households rent their home – approximately 7 million people.
Just testing???
It is exceedingly sad that someone was driven to take their own life over a ‘no ‘pets’ policy. The local Council, (which one Mr Rosindale), were aware of the circumstances, yet even they couldn’t/didn’t/wouldn’t take this in to consideration. As such, they are as equally responsible as any landlord with a ‘no pets’ policy, and contributed to the situation that occurred. It really is a very difficult position to be in and I understand the problem. However, I do find it very magnanimous of Mr Rosindale to want to introduce strict limits on the ability of landlords to include “no pets” policies in rented accommodation. Are and will Councils be included Mr Rosindale? Whilst I do agree that ‘no pet’ policies can, and do present problems for animal owners, as a landlord with three cats of our own, I have a ‘no pets’ policy for any of my tenants. The reason, and Mr Rosindale’s ‘get out of jail card’, is the sentence in the article above….. quote, “It will prevent landlords from banning ‘responsible owners’ from bringing pets into rented accommodation”….. unquote. What is the definition of a ‘responsible owner’, and how do you define a ‘responsible’ pet? When I was presented with a ‘responsible’ owner previously, the mess left behind was beyond a joke and cost many £100’s to put right. Until I know what a ‘responsible’ pet owner is and have that responsibility fully demonstrated to me, not just a letter from a Vet, then my ‘no pets’ policy will remain as a condition of tenancy. Perhaps Mr Rosindale’s next cudgel could be for tenants whose landlords will not accept smokers. Even as an ex smoker, I too have a ‘non smoking’ policy. That also cost many £100’s to redecorate when the property was left stinking of smoke and having to replace carpets after butts were just stamped out on the floor. Show me, and demonstrate to me, the ‘responsible’ pet and pet owner Mr Rosindale, and I will welcome them as tenants. Still no smokers though!
It is exceedingly sad that someone was driven to take their own life over a ‘no ‘pets’ policy. The local Council, (which one Mr Rosindale), were aware of the circumstances, yet even they couldn’t/didn’t/wouldn’t take this in to consideration. As such, they are as equally responsible as any landlord with a ‘no pets’ policy, and contributed to the situation that occurred. It really is a very difficult position to be in and I understand the problem. However, I do find it very magnanimous of Mr Rosindale to want to introduce strict limits on the ability of landlords to include “no pets” policies in rented accommodation. Are and will Councils be included Mr Rosindale? Whilst I do agree that ‘no pet’ policies can, and do present problems for animal owners, as a landlord with three cats of our own, I have a ‘no pets’ policy for any of my tenants. The reason, and Mr Rosindale’s ‘get out of jail card’, is the sentence in the article above….. quote, “It will prevent landlords from banning ‘responsible owners’ from bringing pets into rented accommodation”….. unquote. What is the definition of a ‘responsible owner’, and how do you define a ‘responsible’ pet? When I was presented with a ‘responsible’ owner previously, the mess left behind was beyond a joke and cost many £100’s to put right. Until I know what a ‘responsible’ pet owner is and have that responsibility fully demonstrated to me, not just a letter from a Vet, then my ‘no pets’ policy will remain as a condition of tenancy. Perhaps Mr Rosindale’s next cudgel could be for tenants whose landlords will not accept smokers. Even as an ex smoker, I too have a ‘non smoking’ policy. That also cost many £100’s to redecorate when the property was left stinking of smoke and having to replace carpets after butts were just stamped out on the floor. Show me, and demonstrate to me, the ‘responsible’ pet and pet owner Mr Rosindale, and I will welcome them as tenants. Still no smokers though!