Renters’ Rights Act set to keep pets and people together
Woodgreen welcomes new legislation as positive step forward for pet welfare, but believes more can be done.
At Woodgreen, we regularly support people facing the heartbreaking decision to give up their pet because their circumstances have changed, with housing being a key factor.
Over the past 12 months, 10% of pets that came to Woodgreen were from owners who were moving and unable to take their pets with them. This includes renters struggling to find pet-friendly accommodation, people navigating relationship breakdown, or those who have lost their homes following events such as fire or flooding.
Every pet deserves stability, safety and continuity of care. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which comes into force on 01 May 2026, is a positive step towards reducing the unnecessary separation of pets from people and lowering the number of cherished pets rehomed to charities.
However, for this legislation to be truly meaningful, the needs of pets must be more clearly recognised across tenancy agreements, landlord decision-making, and insurance requirements to ensure fewer animals are at risk of unnecessary relinquishment.
Read the full guidance on keeping a pet in a rental property here.