8 July 2025
David Smith featured in legal & property press on new pet deposit
Property Partner David Smith is featured in Solicitors Journal, Property Industry Eye and Property Reporter, commenting on an amendment to the Renters’ Rights Bill that requires tenants with pets to pay an additional deposit.
The refundable deposit, equal to three weeks’ rent, is aimed at covering pet-related property damage, and replaces the previously proposed insurance requirement.
Property Litigation Partner David Smith welcomed The House of Lords’ intervention as “sensible,” arguing that the current five-week deposit cap does not reflect the unique risks associated with pets.
He states: “Replacing the now-abandoned insurance requirement with a modest, refundable pet deposit strikes a fair compromise, offering landlords reassurance while still supporting responsible pet ownership.”
However, David also cautioned that the amendment faces significant challenges, as it has little government backing. He noted that despite its practicality, the measure is unlikely to survive into the final version of the Bill.
The debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing tenant rights with property protection in the evolving private rental sector.
Read David’s comments:
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