You may have heard that the Government has updated its Model Tenancy Agreement to encourage landlords to permit pets. However, this is only guidance, there is no change in the law. Herewith the relevant clause which can be found on page 29, clause 1.5:

 A Tenant must seek the prior written consent of the Landlord should they wish to keep pets or other animals at the Property. A Landlord must not unreasonably withhold or delay a written request from a Tenant without considering the request on its own merits. The Landlord should accept such a request where they are satisfied the Tenant is a responsible pet owner and the pet is of a kind that is suitable in relation to the nature of the premises at which it will be kept. Consent is deemed to be granted unless the written request is turned down by a Landlord with good reason in writing within 28 days of receiving the request. A Landlord is prohibited from charging a fee to a Tenant who wishes to keep pets or other animals at the Property. Permission may be given on the condition that the Tenant pays an additional reasonable amount towards the deposit, but the deposit must not breach the deposit cap requirements under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

As this is only guidance our message is that we urgently need positive pets in housing legislation. The introduction of legislation to permit landlords to charge a pet deposit, in case of pet damage, and/or to require tenants to have insurance cover in case of pet damage should result in more landlords permitting pets. SCAS would welcome this as a stop gap measure.