Could 2021 be a happier new year for pet owners?

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At Ringley we like to think we’re ahead of the curve in the ways that affect our clients and customers most. We’ve even won awards for innovation in the way we run our business and for our development of proptech solutions.

Momentum has been building for some time for government to actively reduce the right of landlords to include ‘no pets’ policies when advertising their properties. So when we launched our automated lettings platform PlanetRent at the start of lockdown in the spring, we included the option for landlords to generate a pet-friendly tenancy agreement.

Allowing renters with well-behaved pets is a plus point as far as we’re concerned. People get an enormous amount of comfort from their pets and, especially as we enter a second lockdown, they are well known for improving our mental health and wellbeing. Which is why the BTR operators we work with welcome them in their blocks. So we were happy to hear that Andrew Rosindell, the MP for Romford, has introduced a Private Member’s Bill to make allowing pets a standard requirement for buy-to-let landlords too. The Bill’s Second Reading will be on January 29.

We welcome a possible change in the law, especially as the former shadow minister for animal welfare has recognised the concerns of landlords too. With property owners in mind, the Bill will insist renters demonstrate they are “responsible owners” by providing confirmation from a vet that their pet is vaccinated and spayed or neutered, flea-free and - where dogs are concerned - can follow basic commands. Good luck trying that with a cat!  If prospective tenants can tick all these boxes - and the property in question is suitable for their pet – they would then have the right to keep one.

The last time we checked, only 7% of landlords were happy to have pets in their rented homes. But if this Bill passes into law next year, landlords will have to change their tune. In the meantime, allowing renters with pets could make it easier to let your property, as almost 50% of us own one. And with a surge in puppy buying during the last lockdown, this figure may now be higher! So if you’re looking for a pet friendly tenancy agreement to use, why not take a closer look at PlanetRent. It’s simple, it works across all your devices and there’s no subscription to sign up to. Check it out today.

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05/11/2020
Author : Maryanne Bowring

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