A study of the Renters Reform Bill has highlighted how the ‘dictate’ for allowing tenants having pets in their homes will be operated.

Image credit: Pexels

It is guaranteed that the Bill will be passed in one form or another with assured tenancies and every tenant will have a ‘right’ to live with pets in properties if they contact their landlord and ask for their permission.

It will become mandatory for landlords to fully consider requests but are able to deny or grant a tenant’s wish in writing by the 42nd day following the request, however there are some exceptions that may be allowed, but all in all the vast majority of landlords will have to provide an answer within the timescale.

However if a landlord denies permission and the tenant feels the decision is unfairly dismissed, they have the power to take their issue to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or to court which are covered in the Bill.

The Bill does guarantee that a change will be made to the Tenant Fees Act 2019 so agent or landlord can request the tenant pays for pet insurance and provide proof that it covers damage properly, or pay landlords the extra cost for them to include pet damage in their insurance.

A statement from a trade body, says: “We will continue to raise the impact of the removal of fixed term tenancies and seek to find a solution with policy makers. Furthermore, whilst amendments to the Tenant Fees Act to allow for insurance when tenants rent with pets is welcome, we’ll be making the case that it’s not simply about consent but suitability of the type of property and pets.”

In the Second Reading of the Renters Reform Bill in June politicians are able to fully debate the main articles, which will be opened by Housing Secretary Michael Gove or Housing Minister Rachel Maclean. The debate could take more than seven hours and carry over to the next day allowing politicians from all parties to give their opinions of the Bill.

The next stage after the Second Reading is the Committee Stage of 20 MPs with the chair held by an MP with a so called experience of the matter, examining the Bill clause by clause and considering MPs suggested amendments.

Following the Committee Stage in the Commons, the Bill then enters the Report Stage, for all of the House of Commons’ MPs with concentrating solely on the amendments, which is then at last undergoes the Third Reading. This is where it is just a general discussion on terms of the amended Bill with no further amendments being allowed.