A charity is looking to reboot its campaign urging the public and MPs to support reforms around keeping pets in rental properties.

AdvoCATS was instrumental in getting a pet damage insurance-based solution included in the failed Renters (Reform) Bill and now wants to put the subject firmly back on the new government’s rental reform agenda, which is likely to be restated during tomorrow's King's Speech in parliament.

Jennifer Berezai (pictured), co-founder of the charity, hopes tenants who either have or want pets, animal focused organisations, animal rescue volunteers, landlords and letting agents will contact their MPs to raise awareness of its campaign to introduce pet damage insurance in law for both renters and landlords.

It is also writing to MPs and Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook to seek a meeting to put its case forward.

“The problem of renting with pets is well documented and the majority of landlords believe a pet damage insurance-based solution is the way forward to increasing the number of pet friendly rentals,” says Berezai.

Landlords

The charity points to assorted research which shows that between 66-75% of landlords would be more open to renting to pet owners with this in place, and says if it were allowed in law, it would vastly increase the number of pet friendly rentals available on the market. The amendment to the Tenant Fees Act’s List of Permitted Payments was part of the Bill that failed to pass into law before the general election was called.

You can support AdvoCATS’ proposals by downloading a template letter from its website.

Image credits: Northern Group/Jennifer Berezai