Renters' Rights Act: requests for pets in rented homes

Tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, though conditions can be attached.

5 min read · Updated 2 August 2026

Overview

Tenants will be able to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse, though conditions can be attached.

Reasonable grounds to refuse

Property unsuitability, superior lease restrictions, or the number and type of pets already present can justify a refusal.

Response timescales

Landlords must respond to a pet request within a set period, and silence is not an effective refusal.

Insurance for pet damage

Landlords can require pet damage insurance or a suitable equivalent to cover the additional risk.

Recording consent

Document any approval, including conditions such as professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy for allergy reasons.

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This guide 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 acting.