A Dog's Life with Anna Webb joined by Jennifer Berezai - Heads For Tails campaign

The subject of renting with pets was thrust into the spotlight late last year, when Romford MP Andrew Rosindell introduced his private member’s bill, dubbed Jasmine’s Law, with the aim of banning No Pets clauses in rental contracts.

Whilst it never got beyond its first reading, it did highlight the huge problem that renters face trying to find accommodation that will accept their pets. With the country still reeling from the effects of lockdown on our day to day lives, suddenly loneliness, isolation and pet companionship featured much more strongly on the nation’s radar.

Initially as part of Andrew’s campaign, AdvoCATS started to research the background to the problem and what possible solutions there could be. We identified a key problem with the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and compiled our “Heads for Tails” report.

With a lot of networking and sheer brass neck, we started to engage with key players in the rescue/welfare/private rental sectors, and discovered a genuine desire for change, but in order to be sustainable, that change had to be fair to all parties involved.

With input from NOAH (National Office for Animal Health) and SCAS (Society for Companion Animal Studies) amongst others, we’ve updated that report with fresh research and opinion, and we’re taking it and its recommendations right to the heart of government.

2nd September 2021 : a truly momentous date in AdvoCATS’ history, as we took on the Government and launched our Heads for Tails! report and campaign to make renting with pets fairer for ALL. Backed by some 37 MPs and Peers, and endorsed by 31 organisations across the animal welfare and private rented sectors, Heads for Tails! calls for a simple change to the Tenant Fees Act 2019 to open up the rental market to tenants with pets. 

 To listen to the episode click here