The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has criticised proposed rules that will see landlords required to cover tenants’ pet damage to their properties.
The government has proposed amendments for the Renters’ Rights Bill that will reverse plans to enable landlords to require tenants to have suitable insurance to cover damage caused by pets.
In the absence of this, the NRLA sees the presumption remaining that landlords will continue accepting tenants with pets unless there is a good reason not to.
The trade body warned this could lead to clarification on disputes being required in the courts, and make it harder for tenants with pets to access rental housing.
Ben Beadle, CEO at the NRLA, has labelled this a “shoddy and outrageous” way to legislate.
“Yet again, the government simply expects responsible landlords to shoulder even greater risks without any consultation about the likely impact,” said Ben.
“It comes on top of plans which allow tenants to build higher levels of rent arrears, expect landlords to shoulder the cost of delays to an already sclerotic courts system, and make it harder for tenants with poor or no credit ratings to demonstrate their ability to sustain a tenancy.
“While the government might say that they are fighting their corner, it is tenants who will lose out as landlords become more risk averse.”
