Petition · Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government

Extend pet keeping rights to social housing tenants

Open for signatures 41 signatures

What the petition asks

Extend the Renters' Rights Act 2026 to social housing tenants, giving them the same right to keep pets as private renters. Prohibit councils from forcing owners to surrender or foster bonded pets.
Studies have found that cats and dogs can form attachment bonds with owners similar to those between a parent and child. Forcing separation can cause measurable psychological harm to both owner and animal, and physical harm where stress-related illness exists. The Renters' Rights Act 2026 banned pet bans in private rentals but excluded social housing, leaving the most vulnerable people with the least protection.

Timeline

14 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 41
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government
Opened 14 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.