Senedd committee backs RSPCA Cymru’s call for renters’ pet rights

Renters with pets in Wales could soon see significant changes to their rights, as the Senedd’s Local Government and Housing Committee has endorsed calls for the Welsh Government to extend tenant protections.

In a report published today, Tuesday 22 October, the committee called for legislation to give renters the right to keep pets, tackling longstanding barriers in the private rental sector.

The inquiry into the Private Renting Sector examined several issues, including the challenges faced by people with pets when trying to secure homes.

The committee made 13 recommendations, including that the Welsh Government must “urgently outline” its plan to extend tenants’ rights, particularly concerning the ability to keep pets in rental properties.

RSPCA Cymru has been at the forefront of this campaign, advocating for changes in the law to prevent landlords and letting agencies from banning pets in private rental homes.

The charity welcomed the committee’s report, which also recommends launching a “myth-busting” campaign aimed at landlords to address misconceptions about renting to pet owners.

John Griffiths MS, Chair of the Local Government and Housing Committee, highlighted the importance of the recommendations:

“Today’s report is calling for the Welsh Government to do more to ensure that people renting privately can live comfortably in high-quality, affordable homes. One consistent reason people struggle to secure a home is that they have a pet, often forcing them to make the awful decision to give up their pet.”

Mr Griffiths also pointed to evidence suggesting that landlords can benefit financially from renting to pet owners, as tenants with pets are more likely to stay in a property for longer.

The committee believes that, as long as a property is suitable, tenants should not face blanket bans on pet ownership.

A Longstanding Campaign

RSPCA Cymru has long argued that allowing pets in rented homes not only promotes responsible pet ownership but also contributes to happier, healthier tenants.

The organisation’s campaign gained momentum after many families in Wales reported being forced to either give up their pets or struggle to find a place to live due to discriminatory rental policies.

Billie-Jade Thomas, RSPCA Cymru’s Senior Public Affairs Manager, gave evidence to the inquiry earlier this year. Reflecting on the new report, she said:

“We very much welcome this positive recommendation, and we are pleased that our evidence to the committee – along with our campaigning for much-needed change in Wales for those in the private rented sector who have pets or want to have pets – has been heard.”

Ms Thomas noted that the timing of the report aligns with RSPCA Cymru’s annual Adoptober rehoming drive, during which the charity works to find new homes for rescue pets across Wales.

Currently, the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 includes provisions that landlords should not unreasonably withhold consent for pets.

However, RSPCA Cymru argues that the law has not gone far enough to protect tenants, as many renters still face significant challenges.

Legislative Efforts

RSPCA Cymru has collaborated with members of the Senedd to propose new legislation, including the Pets in Housing (Wales) Bill.

This proposal, tabled by Luke Fletcher MS, aimed to strengthen renters’ rights to keep pets but was not selected from the Senedd’s ballot for backbench laws.

In contrast, in England, the UK Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill has made progress, recently completing its second reading in the House of Commons.

The bill seeks to give tenants the legal right to request to keep pets, with landlords required to provide reasonable justification for any refusals.

Billie-Jade Thomas expressed hope for future changes:

“It seems grossly unfair that people are being denied the chance to take on a pet purely because of where they live. By improving the law and encouraging responsible ownership in the private sector, the Welsh Government could protect animal welfare and help facilitate happier, healthier tenants.”

Rehoming Crisis

New figures highlight the urgency of this issue.

In 2023, 42% more animals arrived at RSPCA national centres across England and Wales than were adopted.

Last year, the RSPCA rehomed 28,208 pets, including dogs, cats, and rabbits, but this was far fewer than the 40,118 animals that needed help.

The ongoing housing restrictions are preventing many potential adopters, especially those in private rentals, from taking on a pet.

Karen Colman, who leads the RSPCA’s rescue team, emphasised the need for change:

“Our rescue centres are jam-packed, and we’ve been seeing more animals coming to us than we are rehoming. Any change to the law that will allow more people to experience the joys of responsible pet ownership would be great news for RSPCA Cymru, and for animals.”

Next Steps

RSPCA Cymru now awaits the Welsh Government’s forthcoming White Paper on Housing Adequacy and Fair Rents, which is expected to include further details on tenant rights and pet ownership.

The charity hopes the changes they’ve long advocated for are on the horizon, opening up pet ownership to thousands of prospective adopters in Wales’ private rented sector.