A leading cat charity has raised alarms over the growing number of felines being surrendered due to landlords leveraging Section 21 powers to evict tenants, who subsequently struggle to find pet-friendly accommodations. Cats Protection reports that it takes in an average of three cats daily as a result of these evictions.
The charity criticizes the widespread “no pets” policies in rental agreements, calling them unjust and exclusionary. Annabel Berdy, the Senior Advocacy & Government Relations Officer for Cats Protection, described the policies as outdated and discriminatory.
“We have an incredibly outdated and unfair approach when it comes to pets and renting in the UK, where blanket ‘no pets’ policies are the norm,” Berdy stated. “There doesn’t appear to be any sound basis for this, given the evidence that shows pet owners stay longer in their homes, and that the vast majority of pets cause no damage.”
Berdy emphasized the adverse effects of these policies, which she claims create a “pet privilege” where only homeowners can enjoy the companionship of pets, leaving renters either barred from pet ownership or struggling to find accommodating landlords. She highlighted the stability pets provide and the disproportionate financial burden renters already bear, which should entitle them to the full experience of a home.
“Refusing pets creates a ‘pet privilege’, where people who own their homes can benefit from the companionship of a pet but people in rented housing are either banned from pet ownership or will find it very difficult,” Berdy explained. “Even if people do find rented housing that allows pets, they live in fear of a change in circumstances as they are fully aware of how difficult it will be to find another pet-friendly property.”
She further noted the significant role pets play in providing companionship and fostering a sense of home, especially for those who invest a large portion of their income on housing. “Pet ownership is important to millions of people, helping us feel settled and providing companionship to all sorts of people,” Berdy added. “Many of us can recall our first childhood pet with great fondness – but the reality is that we are denying that special experience to a generation of children.”
Cats Protection continues to advocate for more lenient pet policies in rental housing, aiming to ensure that tenants are not forced to relinquish their beloved pets due to restrictive rental agreements.