The Renters’ Rights Act has now become law and introduces important changes to how pets are handled in private rented homes in England. For the first time, tenants will have a legal right to request permission for a pet, and landlords must consider these requests reasonably rather than relying on blanket “no pets” bans. The legislation is scheduled to take effect from 1 May 2026.
Tenants’ Legal Right to Request a Pet
Under the Renters’ Rights Act:
- Every tenant has the right to make a written request to keep a pet in their rented home.
- Landlords must respond in writing within a set timeframe (guidance currently says 28 days).
- You cannot ignore the request or refuse it without backing your decision with a reasonable justification.
- A blanket ban on pets in your tenancy agreements will no longer be enforceable once the law starts.
Tenants do not automatically get a pet—they get a fair process to request one, and their case must be considered properly.
How the Process Works
- Tenant Submits a Written Request
The tenant must give you a written request explaining what animal they want to keep (type, breed, size, etc.).
- Landlord Must Respond in Time
You must reply in writing within the statutory period (currently 28 days). If you don’t respond, the tenant can pursue enforcement through the courts.
- If You Refuse, It Has to Be Reasonable
Any refusal must be based on reasonable grounds related to the specific pet and property—not simply personal dislike.
Valid Grounds for Refusing a Pet Request
Guidance suggests a landlord may reasonably refuse a request when:
- Superior Landlord/Lease Restrictions – If a head lease or freeholder agreement prohibits pets, that is a reasonable ground.
- Property Unsuitability – The home genuinely isn’t suitable for the size or type of pet requested.
- Impact on Others – A pet could negatively affect other residents (e.g., allergies or serious nuisance).
- Safety or Legal Issues – The pet is illegal to own (e.g., prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act).
Each decision must be grounded in the facts of the situation and explained in writing.
Permission is Pet-Specific
When you say yes, it should be for that particular pet only. If the tenant later wants another pet or replacement animal, they must submit a new written request. This avoids ambiguity and keeps control over what animals are in your property.
No Extra Pet Deposits
You cannot charge extra one-off fees or higher deposits outside the legal cap (currently a five-week security deposit).
Note: Proposals that would allow landlords to require pet damage insurance were removed from the final Act during the parliamentary process.
Updating Your Agreements and Clauses
To prepare for the new law:
- Remove blanket “no pets” clauses — they will not be enforceable once the law starts.
- Replace with a clear process: how requests should be made, how you will respond, and what criteria you use.
- Use a pet addendum describing allowed pets and any conditions (cleanliness expectations, etc.).
- Make sure tenants understand that permission is specific to the pet named in the request.
How Letting Agents Can Help You
A good agent can:
- Handle written requests and track deadlines so you meet your legal obligations.
- Help assess requests fairly and advise on reasonable grounds for refusals.
- Support you with communication and dispute handling if a tenant challenges a refusal.
- Monitor the property after pets are approved and flag any concerns early.
This preparation protects you and helps you avoid legal disputes once the Act comes into force.
Conclusion — What This Means for You
The Renters’ Rights Act represents a major shift in pet policy:
- Landlords must consider pet requests fairly.
- Blanket bans will no longer hold once the law starts.
- You can still refuse, but only for valid, documented reasons.
- Updating paperwork and procedures now will make compliance much smoother.
With the right approach and support from your agent, managing pet requests can be straightforward — and welcoming responsible pet owners can broaden your pool of long-term tenants.