Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

Her Majesty's Government what proposals they have to encourage private and social landlords to allow tenants to have pets, in order to avoid the separation of pets from their owners.

There are properties in both the social and private rented sectors where pets are allowed. In the case of social landlords, it would be set out in the tenancy agreement whether pets are allowed and this is at the discretion of the landlord. Similarly, in the private rented sector, it is a matter for landlords to agree with their tenants as to whether pets are permitted. The government recognises that not all properties may be suitable for tenants with pets but encourages landlords to offer flexibility where possible.