Written question WQ84668
- Asked by
- Janet Finch-SaundersConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Climate Change
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 6 days
Question
What discussions has the Minister had regarding the introduction of a model tenancy agreement which would allow pets as a default in tenancy agreements unless there is a justifiable reason not to?
Declared interest
Answer
Answered by Minister for Climate Change
The model written statements being introduced for use under the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 bring together the fundamental terms set out in the Act and the supplementary terms prescribed in secondary legislation. These were subject to extensive consultation and consideration with stakeholders. Whilst, as elsewhere in the UK, we have not legislated to create a statutory right to keep a pet, landlords and contract-holders are able to agree additional terms covering the keeping of pets. The explanatory information that must be included in written statements of contracts makes it clear that all additional terms must comply with the Consumer Rights Act 2015 regarding fairness. A pet clause in a contract should allow a contract-holder to ask for permission to keep a pet, and the landlord would not be allowed to unreasonably refuse the request.