The UK government has abandoned plans to force renters with pets to take out specialist insurance. The proposal, part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, would have allowed landlords to require tenants to cover potential pet damage. However, ministers now say insurers may not offer enough affordable policies.
Originally, the pet insurance rules for renters aimed to balance tenant rights with landlord protections. Housing Secretary Angela Rayner had argued the measure would help landlords feel secure. Yet, after consulting insurers, officials concluded the market might not adapt fast enough.
Therefore, Baroness Taylor, the Housing Minister, admitted the plan was “impractical.” She warned tenants could struggle to find coverage, leaving them unable to keep pets. Instead, the government will rely on existing deposit rules, capped at five weeks’ rent since 2019.
Following the reversal, Conservative peers joined crossbenchers to pass an alternative plan. Their amendment allows landlords to charge an extra three-week “pet deposit.” The proposal narrowly passed 206-198, despite opposition from Labour and the Lib Dems.
Tory housing spokesperson Baroness Scott argued pets pose “additional risks.” She said landlords need extra financial safeguards. However, Labour’s majority in the Commons means this amendment will likely be overturned soon.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) slammed the decision, calling it “shoddy and outrageous.” They claim landlords will now bear more risk without insurance guarantees.
Meanwhile, tenant advocates welcomed the move. The Renters’ Reform Coalition said most landlords don’t face significant pet damage. Spokesman Paul Shanks added that a three-week deposit would “price out” many pet owners.
The bill now returns to the Commons, where MPs are expected to reject the pet deposit amendment. Ministers say they’ll reconsider if damage costs regularly exceed standard deposits. For now, the pet insurance rules for renters are officially off the table.
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