RSPCA and Cats Protection Voice Concerns on Tenancy Deposit Cap
Following the announcement in the Queen’s Speech that the new Government will introduce a tenancy deposit cap, landlords have raised concerns over whether it will restrict tenants with pets finding rental properties.
Now, the RSPCA and Cats Protection have also voiced fears that the cap will reduce tenants’ flexibility to provide a higher deposit to cover the likes of pet damage.
The Assistant Director of External Affairs at the RSPCA, David Bowles, says: “We have yet to see this bill and will be looking to work with the Government to ensure there are no unintended consequences for pets within the legislation designed to improve tenancy conditions.
“Pets are part of our families and, as well as being wonderful companions, also bring us many benefits for our health and general wellbeing. We encourage landlords to allow tenants to take pets into homes, as it causes a lot of distress and upset when families aren’t able to take their pet with them, and charities such as the RSPCA are left picking up the pieces.”
He adds: “We have produced booklets for housing agencies and landlords, giving them useful and practical advice.”
Cats Protection’s Advocacy and Government Relations Officer, Madison Rogers, also comments: “As more and more people are living in privately rented accommodation across the UK, some owners are being forced to give up their cats, and others who would like a cat are denied the opportunity. Cats Protection believes that people should not be deprived of having the companionship, love and affection that a cat can bring to a household, and we are currently conducting research to find out the extent of the issue.
“We would also encourage housing providers and landlords to have responsible and reasonable cat policies and tenancy clauses, which could include the requirement for cats in tenanted property to be neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, as well as limits on the number of cats that can be owned per household.”
Would the tenancy deposit cap affect your flexibility in accepting tenants with pets?