Housing Bill: No restrictions for renters to keep pets
Scottish Green MSP Maggie Chapman lodged amendments to the forthcoming Housing (Scotland) Bill that would make it easier for people in privately rented properties to keep pets and service animals.
Currently, if a renter wants to keep a pet, they must make a request to their landlord who then has 42 days to respond. New proposals by the Greens would reduce the response time to 14 days, making the process fairer for renters, and taking no response at all from landlords as permission.
Further amendments would also see an exemption for assistance animals, with no permission needed to keep them.
These changes to the Bill are backed by charity organisations such as Dogs Trust, Cats Protection and Sight Scotland.
Ms Chapman said:
“Pets are part of the family, and in some cases, are working to keep people safe every day.
“Dogs, cats and other animals are important for many people’s physical and mental health, and they play an important role in decreasing loneliness. In a world where many feel isolated, having a pet for companionship in return for our care can make us feel valued and get us out of the house more often too.
“Renters have every right to keep pets in the homes they pay for without having to ask permission from landlords. Too often, requests are ignored or delayed which leads to uncertainty and stress for people with pets, or people hoping to have one. That is why I want to amend the Bill so that faster responses are given, and permission granted automatically if no response is received.
“Guide dogs and service animals that detect seizures and other health conditions play a crucial role in the health and wellbeing of many. They are vital companions which landlords should not be able to forbid from living in homes where they are needed.
“Every step the Scottish Greens are taking in this Bill is to boost renters' rights to live in the homes they pay for and fully utilise the space, without having landlords call all of the shots. I hope my colleagues from across the Parliament will join me and support these changes to improve renters rights and lives overall.”