Tenants to get stronger right to keep pets

Currently, it is entirely up to the landlord whether a tenant can keep a pet, and they must be given written permission to do so.

Other provisions aimed at “providing a good quality, and affordable rental market” also include a system of long-term rent controls, with the Scottish government working with tenants, landlords, investors and developers to bring forward a system that works for tenants and supports investment in private rented housing.

Housing minister Paul McLennan said: “Pets are an important part of the family for many people across Scotland. Tenants have the right to feel at home in rented accommodation and having more control over keeping a pet can play a big part in that and can have additional benefits for their mental health and wellbeing.

“This is just one of a range of measures in the Housing (Scotland) Bill, including long-term rent controls, which will help improve the lives of renters and create an affordable, high-quality, and fair private rented sector.

“The bill also meets the Scottish government’s ambition to improve the renting experience in Scotland, whilst also encouraging landlords to invest.

“We will continue to work to create a system that strengthens renters’ rights and supports continued investment in the rental market.”

Gilly Mendes Ferreira, director of innovation and strategic relations for the Scottish SPCA, said: “We welcome the provisions included within the Housing (Scotland) Bill, particularly the safeguarding of the rights of tenants to keep pets and hope that these measures will foster a more inclusive and compassionate rental market.

“Our research has found that over 75 per cent of tenants stated they had a pet for emotional (77 per cent) and mental health (83 per cent) support.

“This survey also highlighted that seven out of 10 tenants would risk becoming homeless if they were no longer able to keep their pet in their current accommodation. Sadly, we also found that 37 per cent of tenants stated that they have had to make that unimaginable choice between having a pet and having a roof over their head.”