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Pet consent letter (landlord permission for a pet)

Give or refuse written consent to a tenant's pet request, with the conditions and timings landlords in England must now follow.

Notices & letters · Updated 8 October 2026

Overview

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 tenants in England can ask to keep a pet and the landlord must not unreasonably refuse. The landlord must reply in writing, normally within 28 days, and can ask for more information. This letter records your decision and any conditions.

Why it matters

A slow or vague reply, or a blanket refusal, can be challenged by the tenant through the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman. A clear written consent also protects you if damage occurs.

Legal requirements

  • Respond in writing within the statutory time limit.
  • Only refuse on reasonable grounds, for example a superior lease that bans pets.
  • Any charges must comply with the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and the deposit cap.

Common mistakes

  • Replying verbally or not at all.
  • Refusing without a reason linked to the property or the animal.
  • Not recording the type and number of pets agreed.
  • Adding conditions that charge fees banned by the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Practical guidance

  • Ask for vaccination records and a previous landlord pet reference.
  • Record the pet details on the tenancy file in RentDocs.co.uk.
  • Note in the inventory that a pet is present so the check out comparison is fair.

The template

Replace everything in [SQUARE BRACKETS] with your own details before use.

[LANDLORD NAME]
[ADDRESS]
[DATE]

To: [TENANT NAMES]
Property: [FULL ADDRESS AND POSTCODE]

Re: Your request to keep a pet, received on [DATE]

Thank you for your request. I have considered it and I am writing to confirm my decision.

OPTION A: CONSENT GIVEN
I consent to you keeping the following pet(s) at the property:
Type: [SPECIES AND BREED]   Name: [NAME]   Number: [NUMBER]

This consent is given on these conditions:
1. The pet will be kept under proper control and will not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
2. You will repair or pay for any damage caused by the pet beyond fair wear and tear.
3. You will have the property professionally treated for fleas at the end of the tenancy if needed.
4. You will tell me before replacing the pet or bringing in an additional animal.
5. [ANY OTHER REASONABLE CONDITION]

OPTION B: CONSENT REFUSED
I am unable to consent because: [CLEAR REASON LINKED TO THE PROPERTY OR ANIMAL, for example the head lease prohibits animals]. If your circumstances change, you are welcome to make a new request.

OPTION C: MORE INFORMATION NEEDED
Before I decide, please send me: [DETAILS REQUESTED]. I will reply within [NUMBER] days of receiving it.

Yours sincerely,
[SIGNATURE]
[NAME]

Frequently asked questions

Can I refuse a pet?

Yes, but only on reasonable grounds, such as a head lease that bans animals. Blanket refusals are likely to be challenged.

Can I charge a pet deposit?

Any extra deposit must stay within the five week deposit cap and the Tenant Fees Act 2019 rules.

This template is general information for UK landlords and letting agents, not legal advice. Rules differ across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland — check your local requirements or take advice before relying on it.