Renters' Rights Bill: Pets in lets
The Renters' Rights Bill will give tenants the right to keep pets, although landlords can request appropriate insurance.
The Renters’ Rights Bill has already passed its second reading in parliament and, as promised in the Labour party's manifesto, will turn the Private Rented Sector on its head, heavily tilting the scales in favour of tenants after what Labour call "years of unfairness and uncertainty."
Pets in lets
Under the new Renters' Rights Bill legislation, landlords will be unable to refuse a tenant's request to keep a pet, without good reason. There will still be circumstances where having a pet in the property is not suitable, for example in an apartment in a high-rise apartment block or where the property is leasehold and the head lease does not allow pets. Landlords should obtain legal advice to ensure they do not fall foul of the new regulations. Where a pet is allowed however, the landlord will at least have the right to ask that appropriate insurance cover is taken out to cover any damages that the pet may make.
Other measures in the Renters’ Rights Bill
- Abolishment of 'No Fault' Section 21 Notice
- All tenancies are to be rolling, periodic ones.
- Tenants can end a tenancy with two months’ notice.
- New provisions for landlords who wish to sell, move in or move family into the property. These provisions cannot be used during the first 12 months of a tenancy and 4 months’ notice is required.
- Three month’s rent arrears before the arrears grounds for possession can be used.
- No blanket bans on children or benefit claimants.
- All landlords will be required to register on a new national database.
- All rental properties are to reach the Decent Homes Standard.
- Strict timescales for health risks to be addressed will be introduced (Awaab’s Law).
- Local Authority enforcement powers to be strengthened and stricter penalties applied.
- Competitive bidding is to be outlawed when marketing properties.
- Rent rises to be restricted to a single annual increase, capped at market rates (or lower) and landlords must give two months’ notice.
- A new ombudsman is to be set up to resolve disputes and reduce reliance on the courts.
Renters' Rights Bill compliance consultation
If you are a good, pro-active and compliant Landlord, your property likely already meets the new criteria outlined in the Renters' Rights Bill, but it’s always best to ensure you’re fully aware of any changes or new obligations you are required to meet.
We are offering a free, no obligation Compliance Consultation to help ensure that you're fully compliant with the new requirements and aren't exposing yourself to any potential penalties. If we do identify any gaps in compliance, we will help you to put an action plan into place. To arrange yours, call us on 0161 511 5339 or complete our contact form.
