PRIVATE tenants in the Forest of Dean are being reminded of new rights which make it easier for people to keep pets in rented homes.

Forest of Dean District Council has updated its website with guidance for both tenants and landlords following the introduction of the first phase of the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

Among the most significant changes is a new requirement for landlords to properly consider requests from tenants who want to keep pets. Under the legislation, landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse such requests and must provide valid grounds if they decide to say no.

The council is encouraging residents and property owners to familiarise themselves with the changes, which came into force on May 1 this year.

The authority has published separate information leaflets for landlords and tenants outlining how the reforms affect the private rented sector.

The new pet provisions are expected to be welcomed by many renters who have previously struggled to find accommodation that allows animals.

As well as changes relating to pets, the first phase of the Act also abolishes so-called "no-fault" Section 21 evictions, ends fixed-term tenancies in favour of rolling agreements, introduces restrictions on rent increases and bans rental bidding wars.

The legislation also strengthens protections against discrimination, making it illegal for landlords to reject prospective tenants simply because they receive benefits or have children.

Forest of Dean District Council said the reforms represent some of the biggest changes to the private rented sector in a generation.

Further changes are expected later this year, including the introduction of a national landlord database and a mandatory ombudsman scheme for private landlords.

The council said it is working to ensure both tenants and landlords understand the new requirements and has made detailed guidance available through its website.