From 1 May 2026, the Act will make a number of significant changes to the way your tenancies work and how you operate as a landlord. One of the changes relates to requests for pets in properties. The Renters’ Rights Act will give all tenants a contractual right to request a pet.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet.
How This Affects Your Rental Property
- Requests must be made in writing
- Landlords must consider each request on a case-by-case basis
- A request can only be refused with a valid reason (e.g. property suitability or lease restrictions)
- Landlords must respond within 28 days
- Assistance animals must be permitted under existing legal protections
- Blanket “no pets” policies are no longer enforceable
- No additional fees or deposits can be charged specifically for pets
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can landlords still refuse pets?
Yes, but only with a valid reason, such as property suitability, lease restrictions, or concerns around nuisance.
2. Do landlords have to accept all pets?
No. Each request must be considered individually, but blanket bans are not permitted.
3. Can landlords charge extra fees or deposits for pets?
No. Additional fees or separate pet deposits are not allowed.
4. Do these rules apply to all properties?
Yes, unless there are specific restrictions, such as leasehold conditions that prohibit pets.
5. What happens if a pet causes damage?
Landlords can seek compensation or make deductions from the tenancy deposit where appropriate.
6. Do assistance animals count as pets?
No. Assistance animals are protected and must be accommodated.
7. Can landlords require pet insurance?
No, tenants cannot be required to obtain pet insurance.
8. Can tenants challenge a refusal?
Yes, tenants can request justification and may challenge unreasonable decisions.