Key provisions regarding pets in rented accommodation
Can a tenant ask to keep a pet?
- Yes. A tenant can ask to keep a pet at the property, but the request must be made in writing and should include a description of the pet.
- Landlords should assess the request based on the individual property and the specific animal involved, rather than applying a blanket “no pets” approach.
How long does a landlord have to respond?
In most cases, a landlord must reply in writing within 28 days of receiving the tenant’s request.
That timescale can be extended in some situations:
- if the landlord reasonably asks for more information about the pet within the first 28 days, they can delay their final decision until 7 days after the tenant provides that information
- if consent from a superior landlord is needed and is requested within the first 28 days, the landlord can delay the decision until 7 days after that consent or refusal is received
- the landlord and tenant can also agree a later response date between themselves
If a landlord does not respond within the legal timeframe, the tenant may be able to apply to court.
Can a landlord refuse
A landlord can refuse, but only where the refusal is reasonable.
Examples that may be reasonable include:
- the property is too small for the type or number of pets requested
- another occupier has a relevant allergy
- the pet would be illegal to own
- a superior lease or freeholder restriction prevents pets, or superior landlord consent has been sought reasonably but not granted
Examples that will not usually be reasonable include:
- simply disliking pets
- relying on general concerns about possible future damage
- refusing because previous tenants with pets caused problems
- assuming a pet will make future letting harder
- refusing where the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog
If a landlord refuses, they should explain why in writing. A tenant can challenge a refusal they believe is unreasonable.
Can a landlord require pet insurance?
No landlord or letting agent should present pet insurance as a required condition of granting or continuing the tenancy. Government guidance says tenants and guarantors must not be required to pay for insurance as part of a tenancy arrangement, because that would be a prohibited payment.
A tenant may choose to buy insurance voluntarily, but it should not be made compulsory as a condition of consent.
What about pet damage?
Landlords can still protect their position where genuine damage occurs. GOV.UK guidance says a landlord can choose to keep money from the tenancy deposit to cover repair costs caused by pet damage, provided they do not recover the same loss twice.
As with any tenancy, the normal deposit rules continue to apply, and the Tenant Fees Act guidance for England still limits the maximum tenancy deposit by reference to the annual rent.
What should landlords do now?
Landlords and agents should review their tenancy documentation and pet-request process before or from 1 May 2026. In practice, that means:
- making sure tenants know pet requests must be made in writing
- having a clear internal process for responding within the legal timeframe
- avoiding blanket “no pets” wording
- avoiding any requirement for the tenant to take out pet insurance
- recording reasons carefully where consent is refused
What should tenants do?
Tenants should make their request in writing and include clear information about the pet, such as its type, size and temperament where relevant. The more complete the request, the easier it is for the landlord to make a decision within the deadline.
England only
These rules relate to the private rented sector in England. Different rules may apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, and different arrangements may also apply to social housing or lodger arrangements.
