The government should advise landlords to look at property location and an animal’s medical history when deciding whether to refuse pets, according to a campaigning animal charity.

AdvoCATS believes that aside from the main reasonable reason for refusing – when it would breach an agreement with a superior landlord - landlords should look closely at these two key areas.

It comes as Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook promised guidance to help landlords and tenants understand upcoming new regulations and said he “will maintain ongoing communication with the rental sector to address any concerns”.

Pennycook was responding to a Parliamentary written question about the circumstances in which permission to keep a pet might be unreasonably refused under the Renters’ Rights Bill.

Guidelines

“There are already guidelines for what inside space should be allowed per breed of dog which landlords can follow, but it’s a myth that it’s essential to have a garden in order to have a pet,” founder Jen Berezai (pictured) tells LandlordZONE.

“Dogs should be regularly walked, and cats can be indoor cats - in a number of instances including temperament or disability, they have to be indoor cats.

“If a cat is used to going outside, then a busy road - in my opinion - would be a reasonable reason to say no.”

She adds that when considering pets, landlords should ask for a vet reference.

If an animal is regularly seen, has its vaccinations, is neutered, up to date for flea/worm treatment and is microchipped, these are all key indicators of responsible pet ownership.

“It’s worth noting that some pet owners purchase flea and worm treatment online so ask to see copy orders and/or receipts,” explains Berezai.

The Bill requires landlords not to unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home but includes a route to refuse requests when they can give a reasonable justification for why it would not be suitable, with the tenant able to challenge a decision.