Pets & the Renters' Rights Act — Landlord Guidance
From 1 May 2026, tenants can request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must consider requests fairly and follow the statutory framework. Blanket 'no pets' policies are no longer acceptable.
Book a Rental ValuationTenant Pet Requests Under the Renters' Rights Act
From 1 May 2026, tenants can request permission to keep a pet and landlords must consider requests fairly. Refusals must be based on valid reasons and handled properly.
Blanket 'no pets' policies are no longer acceptable. Each request must be considered on its individual merits. A landlord who refuses a pet request without a valid reason may face enforcement action.
The Renters' Rights Act introduces a statutory framework for handling pet requests. Landlords must respond to requests within a specified timeframe and provide reasons for any refusal.
Why this matters: Ignoring or mishandling pet requests may expose landlords to challenge or enforcement action by local authorities.
Valid Reasons to Refuse a Pet Request
- The property is unsuitable for the type of pet requested (e.g. a large dog in a small flat)
- The lease or superior landlord prohibits pets
- The property has features that would make keeping a pet unsafe or impractical
- The pet poses a genuine risk to other residents or neighbours
- The landlord has reasonable grounds based on the specific circumstances
What Landlords Must Do
When a tenant makes a pet request, landlords must follow the statutory process. Failure to respond correctly — or refusing without valid reasons — can result in enforcement action.
Respond Promptly
Landlords must respond to pet requests within the timeframe set out in the legislation. Ignoring a request or delaying unreasonably is not acceptable.
Give Reasons for Refusal
If you refuse a pet request, you must give valid reasons. A blanket refusal without reasons is not sufficient and may be challenged.
Consider Pet Insurance
Landlords can require tenants to take out pet insurance as a condition of granting permission. This provides protection against damage caused by the pet.
How Managed Lettings Helps
Pet requests handled correctly every time
Our managed lettings service handles pet requests correctly — assessing each request fairly, documenting decisions, requiring appropriate insurance where permitted, and ensuring compliance with the statutory framework. We take the administrative burden off landlords while protecting their position.
View managed lettingsFrequently Asked Questions
Can I still refuse all pets?
No. From 1 May 2026, you cannot apply a blanket no-pets policy. Each request must be considered on its merits. You can still refuse a specific request if you have valid reasons, but you must give those reasons and follow the correct process.
Can I charge a higher deposit for tenants with pets?
No. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 caps deposits at five weeks' rent (or six weeks' for higher-value properties). You cannot charge a higher deposit for tenants with pets. However, you may be able to require the tenant to take out pet insurance.
What if a tenant gets a pet without asking?
If a tenant keeps a pet without permission, this may be a breach of the tenancy agreement. You should address this through the correct process — issuing a notice and, if necessary, applying for possession on the grounds of breach of tenancy.
Does this apply to all types of pets?
The statutory framework applies to requests to keep pets generally. The reasonableness of a refusal will depend on the type of pet, the property and the circumstances. A request to keep a small cat in a large house is different from a request to keep a large dog in a small flat.
Book a Rental Valuation
Tell us about your property and we will explain how our managed service handles pet requests under the new rules.
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