From Thursday the 16th of June, a new regulation has been implemented concerning the renting in London of properties while in possession of a pet. 

From now on, it is to become easier to rent a property together with one’s animal. Landlords of properties cannot place blanket bans on owning pets anymore. 

As Secret London reports, Landlords must now have a valid reason for refusing pet ownership in their properties, and tenants will have the right to submit a form to request a pet in the Fairer Private Rented Sector White Paper. 

One of the aims of the new rule is to protect tenants against no-fault evictions, demanding properties in unfit conditions, and unfair rent hikes, among others. 

Research elaborated by the Goodlord lettings platform reveals that around 7% of Landlords currently accept pets inside their property. 

It is important to underline that Housing Secretary Michael Gove is about to introduce a measure meaning Landlords have the right to request an insurance policy for any damage caused by pets to the property.

Image: Caroline Byczynski

Author: Sébastien Meuwissen