Whilst more than half of UK adults own a pet, research (by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection) shows that only 46% of landlords currently allow pets. As such, it is notoriously difficult for renters to find pet-friendly accommodation.
However, under The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the law is changing, making it easier for private tenants to keep pets. The new legislation means that landlords will have to consider all requests for pets and cannot unreasonably refuse them.
Our Director of Housing Management, Aidan, explains, “these changes to renters’ rights which make it easier for tenants to have pets are a really positive step. For many, a pet isn’t just an animal, it’s part of the family. Pets can make a real difference to our tenants’ wellbeing and help them truly feel at home.”
A tenant at Cecil Rosen Court who is a self-proclaimed “animal lover” is now living happily with her two cats, as well as her tropical fish. She said, “my pets are company, they are part of my life, they are home.”
She explained that whilst she was very keen to move into a JBD property as soon as possible, she didn’t want to move without her cats – “the sticking point was my cats. I couldn’t just give them up to move anywhere.”
Fortunately, as the government legislation changed, this tenant was able to move into a flat which became free, alongside her beloved cats, Samuel and Tinkerbell.
She explained, “the cats are very happy here. They are both rescue cats. Samuel had a hard start in life, and I was so worried to move him. But they love it here because its quiet and warm. They are very peaceful here; they love to sit and look out the window.”
Other residents in Cecil Rosen Court also love to visit this tenant’s flat to see the cats – “it’s definitely a social thing. It’s calming for people. An animal calms people down when they are stressed.”
As well as her cats, this tenant also keeps tropical fish – “I love plants, I love fish, I love animals. I’ve had fish for years; it’s a hobby that keeps me busy. I enjoy cleaning them and going out to buy fresh plants for them, and the tanks look lovely at night.”
For this tenant, the change in renters’ rights legislation means that she can now live contently alongside her pets, in accommodation that is suitable for her day-to-day needs. As she put it, “I love living here. It’s a lovely place and I love my flat.”