The government’s model tenancy agreement has been amended to be pro-pet.

The new agreement means renters with what are described as “well-behaved pets” will be able to secure tenancies more easily.

Under the new agreement, announced by Housing Minister Chris Pincher, landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket bans on pets.

Instead consent for pets will be the default position, and landlords will have to object in writing within 28 days of a written pet request from a tenant and provide a good reason.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government says that currently just seven per cent of private landlords advertise pet friendly properties, meaning many people with cats, dogs or other companions struggle to find suitable homes.

In some cases, this has meant people have had to give up their pets all together.

Now the government has acted following research suggesting that more than half of adults in the United Kingdom own a pet with many more welcoming pets into their lives during the pandemic.

Under the new agreement, rejections should only be made where there is good reason, such as in smaller properties or flats where owning a pet could be impractical.

To ensure landlords are protected, tenants will continue to have a legal duty to repair or cover the cost of any damage to the property.