Renting With Pets: Renters’ Rights Act Pet Rules Explained

Renting With Pets in England: What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Tenants, Landlords and Their Animals

For millions of people across the UK, a pet is not an optional extra. Dogs, cats and other companion animals are part of the family, providing routine, companionship and a reassuring presence at home.

Yet finding a suitable rented property with a pet has historically been difficult. Blanket “no pets” clauses have forced some renters to choose between securing a home and keeping a much-loved animal, while others have faced additional charges simply because they own a dog or cat.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has changed the position for private renters in England. Tenants now have a clearer right to request permission to keep a pet, while landlords must consider each request properly and cannot refuse without a fair reason.

However, the new rules do not give every tenant an automatic right to keep any pet in any property. They create a more balanced process in which the needs of the tenant, the welfare of the animal and the suitability of the property must all be considered.

Recent reports suggest that some landlords and letting agents are still making mistakes, including using outdated tenancy clauses, operating blanket pet bans or attempting to impose conditions that may conflict with current rules.

Here is what responsible pet owners and landlords need to know.

What has changed for renters with pets?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, a tenant can make a formal written request to keep a pet in their rented home.

A landlord must consider that request individually and must not unreasonably withhold or delay consent. This means a landlord should not automatically reject every applicant or tenant who owns a pet simply because they have a general “no pets” preference.

The legislation creates an implied term in qualifying assured tenancies stating that a tenant may keep a pet if they make a request in accordance with the rules and the landlord consents. It also requires the landlord’s consent not to be unreasonably withheld. The precise statutory provisions can be found in Section 11 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The change is intended to replace blanket decision-making with a fairer, case-by-case assessment.

A well-trained older Labrador in a house with a secure garden presents a very different situation from several large dogs being kept in a small studio apartment. The new approach allows landlords to consider those individual circumstances rather than applying the same answer to every pet and every property.

Do tenants now have an automatic right to keep a pet?

No. The legislation gives tenants the right to request a pet and have that request considered reasonably. It does not mean that tenants can introduce an animal into a rented property without first seeking permission.

Tenants should make their request in writing and include enough information for the landlord to reach an informed decision.

A request might explain:

• The type and breed of animal
• The pet’s age and approximate size
• Whether the pet is already owned or will be adopted
• Whether the animal is house-trained
• How long the tenant has cared for the pet
• Whether the pet is vaccinated, microchipped or neutered
• How the pet will be exercised and cared for
• Whether the pet has lived successfully in rented accommodation before
• Whether a previous landlord or letting agent can provide a reference

Tenants who keep a pet without obtaining the required permission could still be in breach of their tenancy agreement.

The official GOV.UK guidance for tenants who want to keep a pet confirms that requests should be made in writing and should include a description of the animal.

How long does a landlord have to respond?

Once a valid written request has been received, a landlord normally has 28 days to respond in writing.

The landlord can ask for further reasonable information about the pet. For example, they may need to know the size of a dog, whether it is house-trained or how an animal kept in an enclosure will be accommodated.

If the tenant supplies the requested information, the landlord will have either the remainder of the original 28-day period or an additional seven days to provide a final decision, whichever gives them longer.

If the request is refused, the landlord should provide a clear written explanation.

Ignoring a request or issuing a standard rejection without considering the individual circumstances is unlikely to demonstrate that the request has been handled fairly.

When can a landlord reasonably refuse a pet?

Landlords are still able to refuse a request when there is a genuine and proportionate reason.

Potentially reasonable grounds could include:

• The property is too small for the size or number of animals requested
• The animal cannot be kept safely or humanely in the available space
• Another resident in the property has a serious allergy
• The animal is prohibited or illegal to own
• A superior lease or freeholder prohibits pets
• The request involves an unsuitable number of animals
• There are legitimate animal-welfare or safety concerns

A leaseholder landlord, for example, may not have the authority to approve a dog if the terms of the building’s head lease prohibit animals. In that situation, the landlord may need to approach the freeholder or managing agent before reaching a decision.

However, the government says it would usually be unreasonable to refuse a pet simply because the landlord does not like animals, experienced problems with a previous tenant’s pet or has a general fear that an animal might cause damage in the future.

Each decision should relate to the particular pet, tenant and property involved. The full list of examples is included in the government’s guidance for landlords considering a pet request.

Blanket “no pets” clauses may no longer be sufficient

One of the most important practical changes is that landlords and agents should not continue relying unquestioningly on old tenancy agreements containing blanket “no pets” clauses.

A tenancy agreement cannot remove a statutory protection simply by stating that animals are always prohibited. Landlords must still follow the appropriate process and consider a tenant’s written request reasonably.

This does not necessarily mean that every existing reference to pets must disappear from tenancy agreements. Contracts can still explain that tenants must request permission before keeping an animal and that they remain responsible for damage, nuisance and animal welfare.

The distinction is between requiring consent and automatically refusing consent.

Clear, carefully written pet clauses can benefit both parties by establishing expectations around responsible ownership, communal spaces, noise, waste, cleanliness and property care.

Can landlords demand an additional pet deposit?

Landlords cannot simply request an unlimited additional “pet deposit”.

Tenancy deposits for qualifying tenancies are already subject to the limits imposed by the Tenant Fees Act. Describing an additional payment as a pet bond, cleaning deposit or damage payment does not necessarily make it lawful.

Tenants remain responsible for damage caused by their animals, and landlords may be able to make an appropriate deduction from the protected tenancy deposit at the end of the tenancy. Any deduction should be supported by evidence and should reflect the actual loss rather than providing the landlord with an improvement at the tenant’s expense.

A detailed check-in inventory is therefore important for both sides. It should record the condition of floors, carpets, doors, skirting boards, gardens, fixtures and furnishings at the beginning of the tenancy.

What happens if a pet damages the property?

Pet-friendly renting does not remove the tenant’s responsibility to look after the home.

If a dog damages a door, a cat scratches supplied furniture or an animal causes damage beyond reasonable wear and tear, the tenant may be responsible for the reasonable cost of repair.

The landlord may be able to recover that cost through an agreed payment, the tenancy deposit or a relevant insurance policy. However, a landlord cannot receive compensation twice for the same damage—for example, by making a successful insurance claim and then deducting the same amount from the tenant’s deposit.

Open communication is usually the most effective approach. Tenants should notify the landlord promptly if significant damage occurs rather than waiting until the end of the tenancy.

Responsible pet ownership remains essential

The Renters’ Rights Act is an important step towards making rented homes more accessible to pet owners, but it also places responsible ownership firmly in the spotlight.

Tenants should ensure that their pets:

• Receive appropriate exercise, enrichment and veterinary care
• Are not left alone for unsuitable periods
• Do not cause persistent noise or nuisance
• Are kept under control in communal areas
• Do not damage shared gardens or facilities
• Are cleaned up after responsibly
• Are housed in conditions appropriate to their species and size
• Are legally owned and properly identified where required

A landlord may have accepted a pet, but that permission does not protect tenants from the consequences of serious nuisance, antisocial behaviour, neglect or property damage.

Good pet ownership is not only about protecting the property. It is about ensuring the animal can live safely, comfortably and happily in that particular home.

How tenants can strengthen a request to keep a pet

A thoughtful pet request can reassure a landlord and demonstrate that the tenant understands their responsibilities.

Consider preparing a simple “pet CV” containing:

• A clear photograph
• Name, age, breed and size
• Temperament and typical routine
• House-training information
• Vaccination and microchip details
• Details of flea and worming treatments
• Previous landlord or pet-sitter references
• Training certificates, where relevant
• Veterinary contact information
• Emergency-care arrangements
• Details of who looks after the animal when the owner is away

Not every item will be necessary, but providing relevant information can make it easier for a landlord to assess the request positively.

Tenants should also explain why the property is suitable. Access to a secure garden, nearby parks, suitable flooring or previous experience caring for the breed may all be relevant.

What landlords should do when receiving a pet request

Landlords and letting agents should introduce a consistent written process rather than making informal or immediate decisions.

A sensible process would include:

1. Recording the date the written request was received.
2. Checking that the request describes the proposed pet.
3. Asking promptly for any genuinely necessary additional information.
4. Checking the head lease, freeholder rules and building restrictions.
5. Considering the size and layout of the property.
6. Assessing the individual animal rather than relying on general assumptions.
7. Considering the welfare of the pet and the impact on other residents.
8. Giving a written decision within the required timeframe.
9. Explaining the specific reason if consent is refused.
10. Retaining a record of the request, evidence considered and final response.

Landlords should also review their tenancy templates, application forms and advertising language. A property advert stating “no pets under any circumstances” may create the impression that requests will not receive the individual consideration required by the new rules.

What if a tenant believes the refusal is unfair?

A tenant should first ask the landlord or letting agent to reconsider the decision and provide the reason for refusal in writing.

It may be possible to resolve the issue by supplying further information. For example, concerns about a dog’s size, training or behaviour might be addressed with a pet reference, evidence of training or more detail about the animal’s daily routine.

If the tenant believes that consent has been unreasonably withheld, they may be able to make a formal complaint or pursue the matter through the appropriate dispute or court process.

Tenants dealing with a disagreement should retain:

• The original written request
• The landlord’s response
• Any follow-up questions
• Evidence supplied about the pet
• The tenancy agreement
• Relevant emails or messages
• Information about the property and any lease restrictions

Anyone facing a serious dispute should obtain advice from a qualified housing adviser or solicitor.

What about assistance animals?

Assistance animals require particularly careful consideration.

A landlord who knows that a tenant requires an assistance animal should not treat the request as an ordinary personal preference. Duties under equality law may require reasonable adjustments for a disabled tenant, and a refusal could raise issues beyond the general pet provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act.

Landlords and agents should seek appropriate professional advice rather than making assumptions about an assistance animal or relying automatically on a standard no-pets clause.

A more pet-friendly rental market benefits people and animals

A fairer approach to pets in rented homes could prevent owners from being placed in heartbreaking situations and may reduce the number of animals surrendered because suitable housing cannot be found.

It can also benefit landlords. Responsible pet owners may remain in a suitable property for longer because pet-friendly accommodation has traditionally been difficult to secure. Clear communication and a properly documented agreement can create stability for the tenant, the landlord and the animal.

But successful pet-friendly renting depends on balance.

Tenants should be honest about their animals and realistic about whether a home is suitable. Landlords should assess genuine risks without relying on blanket assumptions. Letting agents should ensure that their advice, contracts and processes reflect current rules.

A Great Dane may not thrive in a tiny studio, while a quiet, house-trained cat may be perfectly suited to an apartment. Good decisions begin when the individual animal and the individual home are considered together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord refuse pets under the Renters’ Rights Act?

A landlord can refuse a pet request when there is a fair and reasonable reason, such as the property being unsuitable, another resident having a serious allergy, the animal being illegal to own or a superior lease prohibiting pets. A general dislike of animals or an automatic no-pets policy is unlikely to be sufficient on its own.

Does the Renters’ Rights Act give tenants an automatic right to own a pet?

No. Tenants have a right to request permission and have that request considered reasonably. They should obtain consent before bringing a pet into the property.

How should a tenant ask permission for a pet?

The request should be made in writing and include a description of the animal. Supplying information about its size, age, temperament, training and care arrangements may help the landlord make an informed decision.

How long does a landlord have to respond to a pet request?

A landlord normally has 28 days to respond in writing. Different timing can apply if the landlord reasonably requests additional information from the tenant.

Can a landlord charge an additional pet deposit?

Landlords must comply with existing deposit and permitted-payment rules. They cannot avoid statutory deposit limits merely by describing an additional payment as a pet deposit, pet bond or cleaning deposit.

Is a tenant responsible for damage caused by a pet?

Yes. A tenant may be responsible for damage caused by their animal beyond fair wear and tear. The landlord may seek reasonable compensation through the appropriate process, including a supported deduction from the protected tenancy deposit.

Can a tenant keep a pet without telling the landlord?

If the tenancy requires permission, keeping a pet without consent may breach the tenancy agreement. Tenants should make a written request and wait for the landlord’s response.

Can a landlord withdraw permission after agreeing to the pet?

According to current government guidance, once a landlord has agreed to a particular pet, they cannot simply change their mind or rewrite the tenancy to remove that permission. A tenant wishing to add another pet must make a separate request.

Final thoughts from Wild & Worthy

At Wild & Worthy, we believe pets deserve safe, secure and loving homes—and responsible owners deserve to have their requests considered fairly.

The Renters’ Rights Act does not mean that every animal will be suitable for every property. What it does mean is that pets should no longer be rejected solely through automatic policies and outdated assumptions.

The most successful arrangements will be built on honesty, evidence and mutual respect. Tenants should demonstrate how they will care for their pet and protect the home. Landlords should listen, consider the individual circumstances and provide a reasoned decision.

Because a home is more than four walls—and for many of us, it is not truly home without our animals.

This article provides general information about renting with pets in England and does not constitute legal advice. Housing law and official guidance may change. Tenants, landlords and letting agents should consult current government guidance or obtain qualified legal advice about their individual circumstances.