Senedd debate to address lack of pet-friendly rental homes

A severe shortage of pet-friendly rental properties in Wales is forcing tenants to make impossible choices, including giving up their beloved animals or facing homelessness, according to findings from a recent Senedd inquiry.

The Local Government and Housing Committee heard evidence of widespread difficulties among pet-owning renters, with homelessness charity Crisis sharing harrowing examples of individuals refusing accommodation due to “no-pet” policies.

In one case, a tenant chose to sleep in her car rather than part with her dog, which she described as her “only companion through the most difficult time in her life.”

The inquiry coincided with a report from Zoopla, which revealed that only 7% of rental homes in Wales are advertised as suitable for pets, despite nearly half of households owning a pet.

Why landlords say no to pets

The National Residential Landlord Association (NRLA) told the Committee that reluctance to allow pets is largely due to concerns over potential property damage.

However, research by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home has challenged this perception, finding that 76% of landlords surveyed had not encountered pet-related damage.

For those who had, the average cost was £300—substantially lower than the £775 average for general wear and tear.

Other factors include the suitability of certain homes for pets and potential conflicts between tenants.

A lack of legal protection

Currently, tenants in Wales have no legal right to request or keep a pet in rented homes.

While landlords may include a ‘pet clause’ in tenancy agreements, this is optional and rarely used.

The Committee found that this lack of a default pet clause is discouraging landlords from permitting pets.

It has called on the Welsh Government to explore legislative options, including working with the UK Government to extend the pet-related provisions in the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill to Wales.

Welsh Government’s proposals

In its October 2024 White Paper, the Welsh Government outlined measures to address the issue.

It proposed allowing pet insurance premiums to be classed as a ‘permitted payment’ under the Renting Homes (Fees etc.) (Wales) Act 2019.

This would allow landlords to require tenants to take out insurance to cover potential damage caused by pets.

While this proposal has been welcomed by some landlords, tenant advocacy groups have criticised it as insufficient.

By contrast, England and Scotland are introducing stronger measures.

Under the UK Government’s Renters’ Rights Bill, tenants will have the right to request a pet by default, with landlords only able to refuse on reasonable grounds.

Similar provisions are included in Scotland’s Housing Bill.

Although the Welsh Government has backed certain elements of the Renters’ Rights Bill through a Legislative Consent Memorandum, measures on pets are not included.

Next steps

The Welsh Government’s proposals are now under consultation, with results expected by summer 2025.

Meanwhile, the Senedd will debate the Committee’s findings on 15 January 2025, providing an opportunity for further scrutiny of the government’s approach.

The outcome of these discussions could determine whether pet-owning tenants in Wales see meaningful changes—or if they will continue to face tough choices in the private rented sector.