CHENNAI: From pet application, pet rent and compensation for damages that could lead to deduction from rent advance, the new tenancy rules governing the rights and responsibilities of both landlords and tenants, being planned, suggests a slew of measures that could make owning pets in a rented house a costlier affair.As per the new rules drafted under Tamil Nadu Regulation of Right and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Rules -2017, tenants have to submit a pet-application sheet before moving in.
Also, only those pets listed on the rental application will be allowed — unless subsequent written permission has been granted.
The rules also provide powers to the house owner to levy a pet-rent charge for one or more pets.
Not just that, if your pet defecates the areas around the apartment or damages the access area, as a tenant you will be fined or money will be deducted from your deposit.The draft rules also warn against constant barking by dogs. If the pet is deemed a nuisance, then tenant has to attend a training course approved by landlord, it adds.
However, animals trained to serve the disabled, such as guide dogs (seeing-eye dogs), hearing dogs for hearing impaired, and service dogs (helping those with mental disabilities or with mobility impairment) are not categorised as pets under the new rules.
“These animals are permitted to be housed in the premises as long as they are in service of those for whom they were trained to serve,” said sources.
Factfile
Pets to be allowed only after obtaining the written permission of landlord
Only pets listed on rental applications are allowed
Pet owners may have to pay pet rent charges for one or more pets
They will also have pay a fine to compensate for damages caused by the pet
Tribunals to be set up
Under the proposed rules, all rent agreements will have to be submitted to a rent authority by landlord and tenant jointly within seven days after executing it.
Tribunals, with the jurisdiction of the Madras High Court will be set up by the government to resolve disputes.
Activists slam move
Animal activists are up in arms against the proposed provisions of the Tamil Nadu Regulation of Right and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants Rules - 2017 . Jennifer Jacob of Chennai Adoption Rights says that such provisions in the rules are absurd. “My dogs are like my family. Do you mean to say that for every additional child you have to pay rent? The proposed rules under the new Rent Act is ‘discriminatory’ against tenants,” said Jennifer. Vaishnavi, an animal lover and activist with Disability Rights Alliance, said that the rules are “illogical, ill-conceived and illegal.”