It’s a consideration for the insurance sector, as many tenants would like a pet but currently have a lease which forbids it. However the cost of owning a pet, the insurance costs, rising rents due to Serco and others offering landlords a different option on tenant/rental security, plus the historical data on tenants generally rejecting the idea of Contents insurance in the past, would all suggest there will be no boom. Maybe a slight uptick in demand is more realistic given the cost of living pressures ahead following the next Reeves budget.
Here’s the word from Go.Compare;
A rule change for renters and landlords could result in a wave of new pet owners across England, according to new research. The study uncovers tenants’ opinions and the impact of new legislation for renters across the country.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in September 2024, aims to improve conditions for private tenants, including a measure which would make it easier for renters to keep pets in their properties. If landlords want to deny a tenant’s request for a pet, they need to provide a fair reason why.
In its latest survey of renters, Go.Compare pet insurance asked whether they would act after the change in legislation. According to the results, just over two-fifths (42%) of renters who previously had a request denied or have not made a request for a pet would choose to get one when the bill takes effect.
The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to take effect between October 2025 and January 2026. Based on the number of renters who would like to get a pet once the rules change, this could trigger new pets in more than one million households across the country.
England’s new pet owners will likely be made up of a close split of both cat and dog owners. More than half (56%) of renters who plan to get a pet told Go.Compare they would like to bring a cat home if they can, while 52% would opt for a dog.
Experts from the insurance comparison site are urging renters who plan to get a pet to consider all the costs involved carefully before making the decision.
When asked if they would get insurance for their new pet, 8% said they didn’t plan to, and a further 18% weren’t sure. If these owners choose not to get cover, it would equate to around 269,000 additional households that do not have proper protection for their pets.
Rhys Jones, pet insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Seeing the Renters’ Rights Bill introduced was a really positive step for tenants in the private rental sector, as it will hopefully give them more security and stability, and improve overall conditions. Measures like this one, making it easier for renters to keep pets, will also help to make renting a more comfortable and flexible housing option for many.
“With so many tenants planning to get a pet when the rules change, we could certainly see a boom in new owners across England. For anyone who’s thinking about making this move, remember to consider all the ways it will affect you. Making sure you have pet insurance in place should be one of your first steps, giving you peace of mind should your pet be injured or fall ill. Don’t forget to let your contents insurance provider know, too, so they can update your policy.”
More information about the Renters’ Rights Bill and pet ownership in England can be found on Go.Compare’s website.
Be the first to comment