When is it reasonable for a landlord to refuse a tenant having a pet?

Officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) working on the Renters’ Rights Bill spent 90 minutes with member representatives from across the country listening to the specific concerns of members and their clients about the proposed legislation. Propertymark has launched a member toolkit to support members share their expert perspectives with their local MPs and encourage them to work with us to find real solutions to the housing crisis, plus resources to help facilitate positive conversations with landlords.

Officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) spent 90 minutes with Propertymark Regional Executives to listen to the specific concerns of members’ and their client's about the proposed legislation. Strong challenges were expressed on the removal of fixed-term tenancies, with compelling evidence of the impact on tenants and landlords. Executives also made a clear case for more clarity on areas including reasonable grounds to refuse pets and the ability to take rent upfront.

The Renters Rights Bill represents a significant overhaul of the way that the private rented sector functions. Following its introduction to parliament on 11 September 2024, myths and misconceptions have begun circulating throughout the property sector and amongst consumers about what the proposed legislation means in practice. With so many seeking clarity, Propertymark is here to provide confidence about what is going to change and what will remain the same.

Following several high-profile attacks by XL Bully dogs in recent years governments across the UK have put measures in place to ban the breed and impose requirements on people who own them. There has been understandable concern from agents and landlords about the implications for them of the introduction and operation of the new safeguards.