Councils have been encouraged by the government to allow pets in temporary accommodation where it is suitable. This guidance was provided in a parliamentary written answer by Labour peer Baroness Taylor of Stevenage.
Baroness Taylor specifically encouraged councils to consider allowing elderly people to keep their pets while residing in temporary accommodation. She noted that local authorities are encouraged by the statutory Homelessness Code of Guidance to be sensitive to the importance of pets, particularly for rough sleepers and elderly individuals who may rely on them for companionship.
The move aligns with the Renters’ Rights Act, which introduced a term into private sector assured tenancies allowing tenants to request a pet, with landlords unable to refuse without reasonable grounds. Under this Act, private landlords must consider each pet request on a case-by-case basis and respond in writing within 28 days.