Mars Petcare has partnered with the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and broadcaster Zara McDermott to raise awareness of the challenges around renting and letting properties with pets.
With the government set to introduce its proposed Renters’ Reform Bill during the current parliamentary session, Mars Petcare and Battersea have urged the government to pass the bill with key provision to make renting with pets an easier process for tenants.
Both organisations have come together to release ‘The Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership’, a digital guide with essential advice for people looking to rent with pets, alongside key information for both tenants and landlords.
“Responsible pet owners shouldn’t be denied the right to experience the joy and benefits of pet ownership just because they rent, but the current legislation and lack of clarity unfairly impacts renters. We also know just how severe the stress of living with uncertainty is for pet owning tenants and – with tenancy restrictions directly contributing to pet abandonment – it’s clear change needs to happen,” Mars Petcare UK general manager, Paolo Rigamonti said.
“Equally, we know some landlords have understandable concerns, but many recognise the numerous benefits of renting to tenants with pets. Our Petiquette Guide is a fantastic resource for landlords and tenants: arming them with the information they need in one place, and helping to ensure that no pets or renters have to face unimaginable consequences of overly-restrictive tenancy agreements.”
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The campaign was commissioned after research revealed that one in ten renters are currently ‘hiding’ a pet from their landlord – with 25% saying that have done so in the past, with 22% of those caught saying that they had been evicted.
At a time of unprecedented pressure on the UK housing stock, figures also indicate that demand for pet-friendly accommodation rose by 120%, despite the fact that only 7% of private landlords advertise pet-friendly properties.
Battersea Cats & Dogs Home CEO, Peter Laurie added: “We never want someone’s living situation to come between an owner and their pet, but all too often, that’s sadly what we see here at Battersea. That’s why we’re so pleased that Mars Petcare is supporting our Pet Friendly Properties campaign.
“We want everyone to voice their support for the legislative changes being proposed in the Renters’ Reform Bill, which if passed in Parliament will make it easier for more tenants to rent with their pets. Together we can make the country a fairer place for renters, landlords and animals alike.”
