The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the inclusion of the Renters’ Rights Bill in The King’s Speech.

This long overdue legislation includes the provision that will give tenants the right to request a pet in their property, a request that landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse.

This provision represents a significant step forward in acknowledging the important role that pets play in the lives of many individuals and families.

Dawn Howard, chief executive of NOAH, said pets can contribute to the physical well-being, mental health, and happiness of their owners, and the ability to keep pets in rental properties can have a positive impact on communities across the country.

Mrs Howard continued: “We are very pleased to see the inclusion of pet-friendly provisions in the Renters’ Rights Bill. This is a move that recognises the value of pets as cherished family members and the profound positive impact they have on our lives.

“Allowing tenants the right to request a pet, with reasonable consideration from landlords, ensures that more people can experience the joy and benefits of pet ownership without the fear of unfair restrictions.”

“This legislation marks a significant milestone in pet-friendly housing policy, aligning with NOAH’s mission to promote the health and welfare of animals and the benefits they bring to society. This is a policy that NOAH has campaigned for, for a long period of time, as part of the ‘Heads for Tails!’ campaign and we are delighted to see it adopted by the new government.”