A new law has come into force giving more people than ever before the opportunity to own an animal.

Up until May 1, landlords could impose blanket bans on the keeping of pets in private rental properties, without providing a justifiable reason.

This has all changed thanks to the Renters' Rights Act, giving all tenants in the private rented sector the legal right to request keeping a pet; with such requests unable to be unreasonably refused by landlords.

The change comes as the RSPCA faces a capacity crisis, with many of its animal centres "full to bursting".

But, the new legislation will mean many more families will have a chance to adopt pets, in a move which could "revolutionise" pet ownership numbers.

Head of Public Affairs at the RSPCA, David Bowles, said: "This is an historic day for pet ownership. For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership. That ends thanks to this new law.

The new legislation will mean many more families will have a chance to adopt pets, in a move which could 'revolutionise' pet ownership numbers in England (Photo: Ryan Parker).

"This change is a lifeline, not just for families wanting to add a loving pet to the household, but for the many thousands of animals currently stuck in many full to bursting centres, who will now have many new opportunities to find loving adopters.

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"Pet ownership is such a big commitment. but can be so rewarding.

"At the RSPCA, we are celebrating that the Renters' Rights Act will facilitate happier, healthier tenants right across the country - and help us tackle a pet rehoming crisis.

"There are gut-wrenching examples of people having to surrender their pets to access somewhere to live, because their tenancy agreement will not allow pets.

"Thankfully, those situations are now a thing of the past."

The new legislation also means many existing pet owners will no longer face the heartbreaking choice between keeping their beloved animal and getting a new roof over their heads.