The UK Government’s forthcoming Renters Reform Bill could allow up to one million households to take on a pet for the first time, according to research by GoCompare Pet Insurance[i]. Among those set to benefit are older renters looking for specialist retirement housing, where companionship and wellbeing are increasingly important.
My Future Living, the UK’s leading retirement rental specialist, supports the legislation and has long championed pet-friendly living, with many of their developments offering apartments welcoming residents and their pets. They say the new legislation will broaden this, ensuring even more retirees can share their homes with their pet companions.
A key provision of the Bill is the empowerment of tenants to request permission to keep a pet, with landlords required to consider these requests fairly and provide valid reasons if they choose to refuse. This move addresses the longstanding challenge faced by renters seeking pet-friendly accommodations.
Research highlights that pets are more than companions, they can improve mental and physical wellbeing. Studies show[ii] that 90% of pet owners feel mentally healthier thanks to their pet and are less likely to feel lonely, experience reduced stress and anxiety, and report higher levels of happiness.
Caring for a pet also provides routine and purpose, which can be particularly important after retirement. For 75-year-old Ann Gardner, having her dog Harry with her in retirement apartment has been life-changing. After relocating from Germany and Holland, Ann moved into Homefarris House in Shaftesbury, managed by My Future Living.
“Harry is such a big part of my life, and having him with me makes all the difference,” she says. “We go for lots of walks every day, and he’s even made friends at the coffee mornings, where they give him biscuits!”
Joanne Couch, Director of Finance and Operations at My Future Living comments: “For My Future Living residents, we understand pets provide such companionship, routine, and joy. We have always welcomed residents with pets subject to the rules of individual developments and now many more people will be able to rent in private rentals with their pets.
Another important element of the Bill is the move towards making Assured Tenancies more commonplace. My Future Living has preferred this type of tenancy for many years, as it offers residents increased security of tenure and peace of mind, giving them the confidence to plan their retirement without the fear of unexpected moves.
With the Bill expected to be reviewed and enacted by early 2026, older renters have a timely opportunity to plan a future where companionship, community, security and wellbeing go hand in hand with their choice of home.
For more information visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk.
About My Future Living:
My Future Living is the leading UK retirement rentals brand, a subsidiary of ReSI Property Management Ltd. Specialising in high-quality, age-exclusive assured tenancy rental properties in secure and welcoming later living communities across the UK, My Future Living makes retirement renting easy and affordable. With 2,190 apartments tailored exclusively for those aged 55 and above, situated in modern purpose-built retirement developments along the coast, in vibrant cities, or picturesque market towns, we offer homes to suit every lifestyle and preference.
For more information, please visit www.myfutureliving.co.uk
