Will Forster MP Champions Pet Rights in Renters' Rights Bill
On 14th January 2025, Will Forster, Member of Parliament for Woking, delivered a heartfelt and impactful speech in support of the Renters' Rights Bill, with a particular focus on the plight of pet owners within the rental market. Will’s speech highlighted both the systemic issues facing renters and the deeply personal consequences that laws regarding pet ownership can have on families.
The Emotional Toll of No-Pets Policies
Will began his speech with a personal anecdote, reflecting on his own experience with pets. As the proud owner of a dog named Toffee, he shared that his experiences have made him realise just how essential pets are to so many people across the country. He pointed out that, in a society where pet ownership is widespread, rental laws should reflect this reality and ensure that families are not forced to choose between a stable home and their beloved animals.
Unfortunately, current policies in the rental market often work against pet owners. According to research by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, only 8% of private landlords list their properties as pet-friendly. These restrictive policies, Will argued, are not just inconvenient; they have real-life, devastating consequences.
A Real-Life Example: A Family’s Struggle
Will shared a deeply moving case from his own constituency to illustrate the human impact of these policies. A family, after living in their home for 16 years, faced eviction when their landlord decided to sell the property. The family was left struggling to find alternative housing, but many potential homes had a strict no-pets policy. The family owned three cats, one of which was an emotional support animal for their autistic son.
The GP had written a letter supporting the need for the family to keep their cat, explaining how it had significantly helped reduce the boy's anxiety and improved his day-to-day functioning. However, despite the medical recommendation, housing officers informed the family that they couldn’t be considered for a new property simply because of the pets.
"This case is not unique," Will said. "It perfectly illustrates the emotional toll these rules can have on families, particularly those with additional needs." He made it clear that while issues like homelessness and eviction are often the most pressing, the lack of protections for pet owners can directly contribute to these crises, forcing families into heart-wrenching situations.
The Need for Action and Reform
Will also took the opportunity to call out the failure of the previous Conservative government to take meaningful action on renters’ rights, pointing to their failure to pass the Renters (Reform) Bill. He noted that the bill had been significantly watered down and that the Conservative Party had been swayed by landlord pressure groups, leaving renters vulnerable.
However, Will expressed optimism that the current government was making strides towards addressing renters' issues, even as he acknowledged that more work was needed. “There are many gaps to plug, and pet ownership might seem like a small issue in the face of homelessness and eviction. But it’s clear that sometimes, families are forced into these terrible situations simply because there are no protections for pet owners,” he said.
A Call for Fairness in the Law
Concluding his speech, Will made an impassioned plea for the government to ensure that laws reflect the reality of pet ownership in modern Britain. “Most of us have pets. Let’s make sure we are allowed to keep them,” he said, reinforcing the message that a fair society should allow people to live with their pets without fear of eviction.
The Renters' Rights Bill is a significant step forward in addressing the injustices faced by renters in the UK, and Will Forster’s speech has placed a spotlight on an often-overlooked issue—the rights of pet owners in the rental market. As discussions around the bill continue, Will remains committed to ensuring that all renters, including those with pets, have the security and protections they deserve.