Book a valuation
Properties for sale
Find a branch
Buy
Sell
Rent
Landlords
New Homes
Careers
About us
x

Great news - our online repair reporting tool is now live. Fully Managed tenants can now report any property repair issues quickly and easily at any time.

You're in control

We use cookies to provide the best experience on our website. To learn more about how we use cookies, please see our Cookie Policy. You can manage your preferences now on this banner, or via your browser at anytime.

Manage
Accept

Pets in rental properties

The Renters’ Rights Act will change pet ownership for tenants in the private sector. For the first time, tenants will have the legal right to request a pet, and landlords will be required to consider such requests fairly and reasonably.

Pets in rental homes

Key takeaways

What you need to know

  • Tenants have a legal right to request a pet.
  • Landlords must respond within 28 days and cannot unreasonably refuse.
  • Tenancy agreements should be updated to reflect the new rules.
     

What's changing?

Under the new legislation, tenants will be allowed to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. This marks a major departure from the current system, where landlords can impose blanket bans on pets.

The process for pet requests

  • Tenants must make a formal written request to keep a pet in the property.
  • Landlords must respond within 28 days.
  • A refusal must be based on reasonable grounds, such as property suitability or insurance restrictions.

What counts as reasonable refusal?

Landlords will still retain the right to refuse a pet but must provide a reasonable justification. cannot refuse simply because they prefer not to allow pets. The legislation will not explicitly cover all grounds for reasonable refusal due to the diversity of the private rental sector. A tenant may escalate a complaint to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman if they feel the refusal is unfair.

Reasonable refusal can include

  • The property is unsuitable for pets (e.g. a small flat with no outdoor space).
  • The pet poses a risk to other tenants or the property.
  • The building has restrictions (e.g. leasehold clauses or shared accommodation rules).
  • If the landlord has allergies which may prevent them from visiting the property.
     

Updating tenancy agreements

Landlords should review and update their tenancy agreements to reflect the new rules. Letting agents should also ensure their processes are aligned with the new legislation.

Updated tenancy agreements should

  • Outline the process for requesting a pet.

  • No longer include a blanket ban on pets.

Previous - New anti-discrimination lawsNext - Decent Homes Standard & Awaab's Law

Renters' Rights Act blogs

Section 13 notice explained: A practical guide for landlords
Section 13 notice explained: A practical guide for landlords
In this blog, we outline how Section 13 notices work in practice, what landlords need to get right, and how to approach rent increases with confidence.
May 9th 2026
The Renters’ Rights Act is now in effect: what landlords need to know
The Renters’ Rights Act is now in effect: what landlords need to know
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now in force, bringing major changes to the private rented sector. In this blog, we outline the key reforms and what they mean for landlords in practice.
May 8th 2026
Section 8 explained
Section 8 explained: a guide to grounds for possession under the Renters' Rights Act
From 1 May, Section 8 is the main legal route landlords can use to regain possession of a property when tenants breach their tenancy agreement. This guide explains how Section 8 works, when it can be used, and what landlords need to know.
April 9th 2026
Rents in advance
Rent in advance under the Renters’ Rights Act: what landlords need to know
From 1 May 2026, new legal limits to rents in advance will apply both before a tenancy begins and during the tenancy itself. Understanding these changes will be essential for landlords to remain compliant.
April 7th 2026
Landlord compliance checklist Before 1 May
Preparing for the Renters’ Rights Act: What self-managed landlords need to consider ahead of 1 May
In this blog, we outline what self-managing landlords should review ahead of 1 May, and explain why strengthening your ongoing management arrangements could be key to staying compliant going forward.
March 11th 2026
Landlord Compliance: New 2025 Council Investigation Powers
New council investigation powers start 27 December 2025: Here’s how landlords can stay compliant
From 27 December 2025, councils will gain new powers to request tenancy records at short notice. Here’s what every landlord needs to know - and how to stay fully compliant.
December 16th 2025
Renters' Rights Act key dates
Renters’ Rights Act 2025: Key dates confirmed
Following its Royal Assent on 27 October, the implementation plan has been announced, and it will take place in phases. Find out full details here.
November 14th 2025
A judge's gavel
Renters' Rights Bill receives Royal Assent to become law
The Renters' Rights Bill received Royal Assent on 27th October 2025. Find out about expected implementation timelines and how to prepare for the introduction of the Bill in our blog. 
October 27th 2025

Got a question about your rental property?

If you have any questions for our team about the Renters' Rights Act and what it means for you as a landlord, please contact your nearest lettings branch or fill in your details below and we'll get back to you. 

Book a valuation
Contact your local branch
My Davis Tate