The House of Lords has passed an amendment in the Renters Rights Bill that would empower landlords to charge a separate deposit for potential pet damage.
The Renters Rights Bill is currently at the report stage in the House of Lords and was debated on 7th July.
On this date, Lord de Clifford proposed an amendment that an “additional pet damage deposit” can be made a condition of the tenancy.
This deposit must be the equivalent of three weeks’ rent and cannot be subject to the limits for deposits in tenancy agreements.
The amendment received a 206 vote in favour, with 198 votes against.
“The benefit of the deposit in this amendment is that, if they respect the property and maintain it, the deposit is returned to them at the end, whereas the initial proposal for pet insurance was money never to be returned, regardless of whether a claim was made or not,” Lord de Clifford told the House.
“I know this amendment will add a burden to tenants, but it also provides a small amount of protection to landlords, who are now having to accept pets when in many circumstances they currently do not.”
Other amendments were passed that could support landlords in the PRS.
These included an amendment to expand Ground 4A, giving landlords of one- and two-bedroom student properties the right to regain possession to prepare for new student cohorts.
In addition, a tribunal capacity review was mandated to help support recourse avenues for landlords in the event of a dispute and an amendment was introduced to allow local authorities to provide assured advice for letting agents.
When approached by BTL Insider, a spokesperson from the NRLA said: “We welcome the House of Lords' support for an amendment that would allow landlords to take a pet-specific deposit in case of potential damage caused by a pet.
"We strongly encourage the government to get behind this amendment when the Bill returns to the Commons.
"The current cap on deposits has left many landlords understandably cautious about accepting pets, given the risk of property damage.
"This amendment strikes the right balance by giving landlords the confidence that any damage caused by pets can be fairly managed, while also welcoming tenants with pets into their property.”
Propertymark has welcomed this “victory” for tenants.
“Peers have listened to Propertymark’s expertise and the voices of our members, delivering pragmatic changes that protect landlords, agents, and renters alike,” said Timothy Douglas, head of policy and campaigns at Propertymark.
“From securing pet damage deposits and student tenancy safeguards to ensuring tribunal capacity reviews and assured advice under the Tenant Fees Act, these wins demonstrate that our campaigning has made the Bill more workable for letting agents while delivering fairer outcomes for tenants.
“This is a real step forward for professionalism, confidence, and a rental sector that works for everyone.”
