Spot, one of a pair of eight-year-old cats given to YCR when their owner had to go into sheltered accommodation where pets were not allowed.

Increase in cats surrendered due to landlord policies in rented accomodation

A Yorkshire cat charity is calling for landlords to review their no pets policy, after a sharp rise in the number of pets surrendered because their owners could not keep them in rented accommodation.

Yorkshire Cat Rescue (YCR) has been housing homeless cats and kittens since it was founded over 20 years ago.

The charity says it has witnessed a recent increase in the number of calls received from distressed owners who have been forced to move, or even threatened with an eviction notice, for keeping pets.

Charity founder Sara Atkinson, said: "Many landlords implement a No Pets Policy as standard to avoid the scenario of having to replace fixtures and furniture that may have been damaged by teeth and claws.

"But in doing so, they are losing out on loyal tenants who often become long term customers, specifically because their pets are allowed.

The charity has suggested alternative approaches for landlords, such as considering applications on an individual basis, taking into account factors such as the pet’s health and behaviour, rather than issuing a blanket ban on all pets.
 
Another suggestion is for landlords to request a dedicated pet deposit, or to set a limit on the number of pets allowed.
 
Photo courtesy of Yorkshire Cat Rescue.