The Renters' Rights Bill took another important step yesterday as it began the Report Stage in the House of Lords. This stage, spread over the first half of July, is crucial as Peers debate amendments that could significantly impact landlords across England.

A Crucial Debate for Landlords with Pet-Friendly Properties

Of particular importance is the proposal to reintroduce a separate pet damage deposit. Propertymark, a leading voice for letting agents and landlords, is pushing for Peers to support an amendment, tabled by Lord Kinnoull, that would allow for an additional pet deposit equivalent to three weeks' rent.

This follows a key shift: the UK Government is now seeking to remove the requirement for tenants to hold pet insurance, a provision previously suggested to mitigate pet-related damages. With this removed, Propertymark argues that landlords need a new form of protection, and an additional deposit is the logical solution.

Why It Matters: Financial Realities of Pet Damage

Since the Tenant Fees Act came into force in June 2019, landlords have been restricted to taking a maximum deposit of:

• Five weeks' rent where the annual rent is below £50,000
• Six weeks' rent where the rent is £50,000 or more

Prior to this, it was common practice to request a separate pet deposit, typically around two weeks’ rent. With that option gone, many landlords turned to “pet rent”, charging tenants extra monthly. However, this often doesn’t reflect the true cost of damage pets can cause.

For example:

• A three-stage flea treatment can cost up to £305
• Local authorities, like one Essex district council, charge £276 for a single treatment visit

Such figures highlight why many landlords are now wary of accepting pets. In fact, one in five landlords who previously allowed pets have since stopped doing so because of the Act, according to Propertymark.

The Amendment: Protecting Landlords While Supporting Tenants

The proposed amendment represents a balanced solution: tenants can enjoy pet ownership, while landlords are financially protected. It ensures landlords have the means to cover damages without being forced to absorb costs or impose monthly surcharges.

As Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Propertymark, puts it:

“Without allowing pet deposits, the UK Government risks further undermining their efforts to support tenants to rent with pets… 57% of landlords and agents said they were unable to recoup the cost of damage caused by pets.”

What This Means for You

If passed, this amendment will offer landlords more control, greater financial security, and the confidence to say yes to responsible pet-owning tenants. That’s good news in an evolving rental landscape where flexibility is key.

Stay Informed. Stay Protected.

At Boydens, we stay ahead of the legal curve so you don’t have to. Whether you're trying to understand the changes in legislation or wondering how this bill could affect your current portfolio, our expert lettings team is here to help.

📞 Contact us today to discuss your options or schedule a no-obligation consultation with our landlord specialists.

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