CALLS to allow pets in rented homes have been met with scepticism by landlords.

The Labour party has pledged that if it comes to power, it would introduce legislation allowing people who rent to have a pet by default.

Many landlords currently ban pets amid concerns about severe damage to property and gardens.

Tenants can request permission to have a pet and landlords can refuse on the grounds of the animal’s size, the damage it could cause, its impact on future rental prospects and the potential extra cost of repairs.

“Labour would seek to improve the rights of renters to own pets that do not cause a nuisance,” said MP Sue Hayman.

However, many landlords are not overjoyed by the prospect.

“You can’t take a blanket approach to keeping or refusing pets,” said Richard Lambert of the National Landlords Association (NLA).

He explained that about half of landlords say they are reluctant to allow renters to keep pets due to a perceived added risk of damage to the property, and the increased costs of repair.

The NLA believes that landlords should have a right to refuse permission as long as they justify their decision.

Mr Lambert added: “Common properties, such as high-rise flats, or those without gardens, may simply not be suitable for keeping some animals nor beneficial to their welfare.”

He also pointed out that allowing a pet could affect a landlord’s insurance and the move would also have an impact on those living in blocks of flats and shared accommodation, such as houses of multiple occupancy.

“Labour will need to respond positively to all these points if landlords are to have confidence in this suggested policy,” he added.

However, there is backing from Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, one of the country’s biggest homes for discarded pets.

A spokesman said it would welcome plans to help more people in rented homes keep a pet.

Many of the dogs and cats at the charity home have been taken there by people who have moved into a rented property and cannot take their pet with them.