Pet ban lifted for renters in new housing plan – O’Connell

The new housing action plan will remove the ban on tenants having pets in rental and social housing, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Maeve O’Connell said these changes will ensure pet owners can’t be prevented from getting homes through an Approved Housing Body (AHB).

Deputy O’Connell said: “This change will come as a welcome relief to so many renters who love their pets.

“This will ensure that AHBs cannot specify that pets are not allowed. New guidelines ensure the rules are set in the Code of Practice for local authority nominations to AHBs.

“Many renters who love their pets have been put in a tough position when they get offered housing when they learn they cannot bring their pets with them.

“Nobody wants to face having to give up their pet.

“For many people, especially those that live on their own, pets provide comfort and connection and leaving them can be heart-breaking.

“This is just one of a number of positive measures for renters in the new housing plan; including providing rent controls on a national basis to support all tenants and introducing legislation to provide stronger protections for tenants, including increased security of tenure.

“This policy on AHBs and pets was outdated and put pressure on pet owners looking to rent. This is an issue I first raised as a local Councillor, as I saw firsthand the hurt it caused families and I’m delighted this has been properly dealt with,” concluded Deputy O’Connell.

ENDS