Our Pet Friendly Properties campaign
Having to give up a pet because of housing issues is a unique type of heartbreak. It’s a heartbreak we witness at Battersea first-hand, and one that could so easily be avoided.
The last few years have demonstrated the many benefits of being able to own a pet, not only for our mental health and wellbeing, but also our feelings of connection to other people, our local community, and the outside world.
With more people than ever renting properties, we’re taking a stand to show that tenants deserve the chance to experience the joys of pet ownership. With our Pet Friendly Properties campaign, we want to achieve long-lasting, societal change, because we believe that everyone should have the choice to experience the joy of pet ownership, no matter where they live.
The future of pets and renting
PET-LOVING TENANTS FACE HOUSING DISCRIMINATION
Tenancy issues remain a leading reason why people are forced to give up their beloved pets to animal rescue charities like Battersea. This heartbreaking situation forces renters to choose between their beloved pets – pets they consider to be family - and stable housing.
NEW LEGISLATION OFFERS HOPE
The Renters’ Rights Bill going through Parliament represents a welcome chance to change this, giving tenants the ability to make a pet request that cannot unreasonably be refused. We’ve already been successful in reducing the deadline within which landlords must respond to a pet request from a tenant.
However, there are still things in the Bill that we want to see improved, such as:
- Creating clear guidance on what are grounds for reasonable refusal to a pet request from a landlord.
- Ensuring decisions to allow tenants to keep pets are not withdrawn once granted throughout the length of the tenancy.
- Tackling discrimination against people who already own pets who are looking for a new place to rent.
GETTING INVOLVED
We’ll need your support to help us make the case to Parliament that these changes are essential if the Bill is going to make a difference for pet owning tenants. Look out for opportunities to get involved in the campaign!
Rosie and Vanessa's Story
Vanessa grew up with cats, and was sad to find out that renting with a cat in the UK can be really difficult. Her cat Rosie means everything to her, and when looking for a new rental property, she faced an unthinkable choice - Rosie or a flat. Thankfully for Vanessa, she was lucky enough to find a landlord who allowed tenants with pets. Sadly, lots of people aren't so lucky.
Real life stories
Thousands of pet-owning renters across the UK face challenges every day. From being automatically rejected by letting agents during their search for a home, to having to spend more than they can afford every month on disproportionately high rent, just because of their pet, tenants who own pets deserve better.
While the campaign for changes to the law around pets and tenancy agreements continues, there are lots of other resources, and more help is available:
Bringing a pet to Battersea, if you ever need to
