Many pet-owning tenants have a tough time finding a suitable rental home, as few landlords embrace the idea of a pet in their property.
The reasons are understandable given that some animals, such as dogs, can be noisy, smelly and destructive.
But landlords may soon be forced to start accepting animal lovers as renters under strict new rules being proposed by the government.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has called on landlords to make it easier for responsible pet owners to allow animals to live in their homes.
The government’s model tenancy contracts will be revised to remove restrictions on pets to make it easier for rentals to bring well-behaved animals into their properties.
The move is part of a number of fresh measures being introduced to help improve renting conditions.
Jenrick said: “Pets bring a huge amount of joy and comfort to people’s lives, helping their owners through difficult times and improving their mental and physical wellbeing.
“It’s a shame thousands of animal-loving tenants and their children can’t experience this because they rent their homes instead of owning.
“So, I’m overhauling our model tenancy contract.”