Research conducted by the Dogs Trust and Cats Protection apparently shows that landlords are split on the subject of pets in lets.

Some 46 per cent say they allow pets and 54 per cent not.

The same research reveals that, in over a third of cases where cats or dogs have not been allowed by a private landlord, the landlord did not proactively decide this based on the individual tenants or pets, but either followed advice or a used a standard ‘no pets’ tenancy template.

The Dogs Trust and Cats Protection claims that allowing pets in rental properties is not just good for the tenants; there are advantages to landlords too as it could increase the length of time tenants choose to rent a property. 

The organisation claims that 26 per cent of tenants would stay longer in a property if they were allowed to keep a pet.

Under the Renters Reform Bill landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home, with the tenant able to challenge unfair decisions through a new Ombudsman.

Owen Sharp, Chief Executive of Dogs Trust, says: “The new measures introduced today are a potential gamechanger for responsible dog owners who rent.

“Dogs Trust has been campaigning on this subject for many years as we believe that the joy of pet ownership shouldn’t be exclusive to homeowners, but open to private and social renters as well.  

“For too long, people living in rented accommodation have not able to enjoy the benefits and companionship of a pet just because of the type of housing they live in. 

“We’re receiving hundreds of calls each week from desperate owners forced to rehome their dogs due to a lack of pet friendly accommodation. 

“The measures announced as part of the Renters (Reform) Bill will mean that many more dogs can stay living with their loving families. This is great news for both owners and for the animal welfare sector alike.”