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The proposal to allow landlords in England to enforce special insurance for tenants who own pets has been put on hold by the government. This measure was part of the Renters’ Rights Bill introduced last year, aiming to provide tenants with stronger legal rights in terms of keeping animals. However, Labour ministers have decided to abandon this idea, citing concerns that suitable insurance products may not be readily available.
In a move confirmed on Monday night, the government revised its own legislation in the House of Lords, leading to a shift in focus towards requiring tenants to pay an additional ‘pet deposit’ instead. This adjustment has sparked a debate among Tory peers, setting the stage for a potential clash when the bill returns to the Commons for further discussion. The decision to introduce a pet deposit comes after peers narrowly approved an amendment allowing landlords to charge up to three weeks’ rent as a refundable deposit to cover any pet-related damages during a tenancy period.
The initial version of the bill proposed granting landlords new powers to mandate private tenants to obtain pet damage insurance or reimburse them for the costs of securing such insurance. This provision was intended to complement the enhanced rights for renters, ensuring landlords have protection as tenants’ privileges expand. Housing Minister Baroness Taylor of Stevenage revealed that the insurance requirement is being scrapped following consultations with insurers, as there are doubts about the availability of suitable insurance products at the required scale.
As the Renters’ Rights Bill progresses through Parliament towards its final stage in the House of Lords, the decision to withdraw the insurance mandate has drawn mixed reactions. The NRLA has criticized this move, labeling it as a “shoddy and outrageous” approach to legislative decision-making that could increase risks for property owners. Conversely, the Renters’ Reform Coalition has welcomed the change, arguing that additional insurance is unnecessary and expressing reservations about the proposed three-week pet deposit, which they believe could deter renters from owning pets
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