According to the Department for Housing, Levelling Up and Communities, renters will be given the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords will also be able to require pet insurance to cover any damage to their property.

Cats Protection’s Advocacy & Digital Campaigns Manager Stefan Blakiston Moore said: “Pets are part of the family and Cats Protection welcomes legislation which allows a way for tenants in the private rented sector to have, and keep, their pets. The charity believes it is important that any proposed changes are fair and affordable.

“Cats Protection is the UK’s largest cat charity and last year we took in around 1,300 cats – the equivalent of at least three cats each day – due to landlords not allowing them in their properties.

“All too often, Cats Protection sees cats relinquished due to landlords not allowing pets, which is why the charity launched its Purrfect Landlords campaign in 2018. This aimed to encourage landlords to allow responsible tenants to keep pets and reduce the number of renters having to make the heart-breaking choice between keeping their cat and finding a home.

“Cats Protection is committed to working with the government to ensure that the new legislation is fair and affordable for renters with pets and that landlords feel confident allowing renters with pets in their property.”

More information on Cats Protection’s Purrfect Landlords campaign.