New Renters' Rights Act means millions more renters in England can now own a pet

Mars and long-term charity partner Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, are celebrating the news that the Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on Friday (May 1). The landmark legislation gives renters in England the freedom to request pets in their homes which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, providing the welcome opportunity for more people to own a pet. 

Research commissioned by Mars has revealed that almost a third (31%) say housing rules have previously stopped them owning a pet. 48% of pet owners in rental properties had to move in order to get or keep their pet, with a fifth (20%) having to offer their landlord more financial compensation to keep their pet. 

The new law will mean a major shift in access to pet ownership, with more than 4 million more homes across England that could now be open to pets. Mars and Battersea believe pets can enhance people’s lives and think the Act will make a tangible difference to the renting experience, with 83% of all pet owners in the UK saying that their pets have a positive impact on wellbeing.

As more than a third (35%) of renters say they don’t know anything about their new rights to request a pet under the Act, Mars and Battersea have released the ‘Renting with Pets Guide’, offering clear and practical guidance. Commenting on the new law, Mars Pet Nutrition, General Manager for North Europe, Nick Foster said “Pets really do make a house a home and we’re incredibly proud to work with our long-term partners at Battersea to help bring about this important change in the law"

To find out more, take a look at the Renting with Pets Guide on the Mars website here.