A TikTok video on upcoming rules around tenants’ ability to keep pets has garnered more than 2.5 million views and counting.

The viral video, posted by a lawyer called Belle, explains how the Renters’ Rights Bill will end blanket bans by landlords and has received 129,000 likes and 4,351 comments.

However, viewers were divided over the Bill’s impact on the private rented sector, with one arguing: “As a pet owner who rents, I disagree. It is their property and their wishes.”

Another agreed: “It’s a private property. It should be up to the landlord to decide whether they allow it or not.”

Several of those in favour of landlords being able to decide whether tenants have pets in their homes cited the damage pets can cause to properties, the smell of some animals and possible allergies to animals.

Disagreed

Others disagreed with the new rules. One said: “My landlord refused on the basis that she has a dog allergy…she lives in Hong Kong.”

Another added: “I don’t get why landlords ban pets. If their animal damages the property then that gets taken out the deposit like any other damage, so they don’t lose money + pets are less messy and noisy than kids!”

Some TikTok users had concerns about the new reforms, as some said landlords might choose applicants who have no pets over those who are pet owners, while others questioned what could happen if their current tenancy agreement states they are not allowed to have pets in the property.