Renters’ Rights Bill: How To Request Pets In Rentals
How the UK's Renters' Rights Bill empowers tenants to request pets, with new rules for landlords starting 2026.
The UK’s Renters’ Rights Bill, now progressing as the Renters’ Rights Act, marks a significant shift for tenants who want pets. Currently, keeping a pet in a rental property hinges entirely on landlord consent, often leading to rejections or hefty surcharges. New rules, effective from 1 May 2026, grant tenants the right to formally request pets, requiring landlords to respond reasonably within strict timelines. This change addresses the struggles of 42% of renters who desire pets but face barriers, improving mental health and quality of life for many.
Why Renting with Pets Is Currently So Difficult
Today, UK renters face substantial hurdles when trying to live with pets. Tenants have no automatic right to keep pets; everything depends on the tenancy agreement and landlord permission. Research reveals that 34% of renters have been denied properties due to their pets or forced to pay average surcharges of £288. Only 17% dare to ask, deterred by fear of rejection (49%) or concerns about tenant perception (21%). Despite this, demand remains high, with pets ranking above children for many in enhancing wellbeing.
Landlords often cite worries over damage, noise, or property suitability. Without legal protections, pet-owning renters endure housing insecurity, sometimes surrendering beloved animals or living pet-free. The Bill aims to balance these concerns by introducing fair processes without mandating pet acceptance.
Key Changes Under the Renters’ Rights Bill
The Renters’ Rights Act introduces structured procedures for pet requests, empowering tenants while protecting landlords’ legitimate interests. Here’s what the legislation entails:
- Right to Request: Tenants can submit a written pet request, including a description of the pet (e.g., breed, size, age). This applies both before and during tenancy.
- Landlord Response Timeline: Landlords must reply in writing within 28 days. If more information is needed, they have 7 additional days after receiving it. No response within 28 days allows tenants to seek court enforcement.
- Reasonable Refusal Only: Consent cannot be unreasonably withheld. Valid reasons include property unsuitability (e.g., size, no outdoor space), lease restrictions from freeholders, welfare concerns, or anti-social behaviour risks.
- No Extra Fees: Prohibits pet deposits, surcharges, or mandatory pet insurance. Standard deposits cover any damage.
- Binding Consent: Once granted, permission cannot be revoked except in rare anti-social behaviour cases.
These provisions shift power dynamics, making renting pet-friendly without exposing landlords to undue risk. The Act also establishes an ombudsman service for disputes.
Can Landlords Still Advertise ‘No Pets Allowed’?
Yes, landlords retain the right to market properties as ‘no pets allowed’ during listings. The pet request right activates only after tenancy begins. Prospective tenants aware of no-pet policies cannot challenge pre-move-in refusals. However, once tenanted, a formal request triggers the fair consideration process. This preserves landlords’ initial screening while protecting existing tenants.
Process for Making a Pet Request
To succeed, tenants should follow a clear, professional approach:
- Submit in Writing: Email or letter with pet details: breed, size, age, training status, and care plans.
- Include Supporting Evidence: Training certificates, vet records, or behaviourist references.
- Await Response: Expect 28 days; provide extra info promptly if requested.
- Review Refusal: If denied, check for reasonable grounds in the written explanation.
Landlords, meanwhile, must assess case-by-case, potentially consulting freeholders. Failure to comply risks court intervention.
Valid Reasons for Landlords to Refuse Pets
Refusals must be justified. Common reasonable grounds include:
| Reason | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Property Suitability | Space or layout unfit for pet | Small flat lacking garden for large dog |
| Lease Restrictions | Freeholder/superior landlord bans pets | Leasehold terms prohibit animals |
| Pet Welfare Concerns | Property can’t meet pet’s needs | No secure outdoor access for active breeds |
| Anti-Social Behaviour | Evidence of nuisance risk | Prior complaints from similar pets |
| Responsible Ownership Doubts | Tenant history suggests poor care | No training plans or references |
Subjective fears alone do not qualify as reasonable.
Tips for Renters to Secure Pet Approval
Boost your chances with proactive strategies from experts like Rover’s Adem Fehmi:
- Share Training Plans: Detail obedience training, routines, and history to demonstrate commitment.
- Outline Care Arrangements: Explain pet care during absences—family, sitters (max 4 hours for adults, 2 for puppies)—preventing issues like barking.
- Provide References: From previous landlords, vets, trainers, or sitters to vouch for responsibility.
- Offer Pet Profile: Photos, videos, and behaviour reports build trust.
- Propose Mitigations: Suggest professional cleaning or damage waivers if relevant.
These steps reassure landlords of minimal risk.
Challenging Unreasonable Refusals
If refused unreasonably, tenants can challenge via the new ombudsman or courts. Landlords must provide written reasons; tenants review for validity. Past refusals do not bar fresh requests under new rules. For transitioning tenancies (e.g., AST to periodic), landlords may reassess suitability. Speak to tenants first for concerns, escalating to anti-social behaviour protocols if needed.
Damage and Responsibilities
Pet damage falls under standard deposits—no double-claiming with insurance. Landlords retain repair rights. Consent ensures no tenancy breach. Tenants must maintain properties, addressing issues promptly.
Implications for Landlords and Agents
Landlords prepare by updating policies, training agents, and checking leases. A digital PRS database aids tenant choices on landlord history. Discrimination bans extend to benefits or family status. Binding consents demand careful initial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Renters’ Rights Bill timeline for pets?
New rules apply on or after 1 May 2026.
Can I request a pet before moving in?
Landlords can refuse pre-tenancy, but requests apply during tenancy.
What if my landlord doesn’t respond?
After 28 days, seek court enforcement.
Can landlords charge pet rent?
No, banned under Tenant Fees Act 2019; deposits only.
Is pet consent revocable?
Only for anti-social behaviour.
What pets qualify?
Any, assessed case-by-case; description required.
References
- Renting With Pets: What the New Renters’ Rights Bill Means for You — Rover.com. 2025. https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/renting-with-pets/
- Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Guide: Updates, impacts, & unintended… — Goodlord.co. 2025. https://blog.goodlord.co/renters-rights-bill-a-letting-agents-guide
- If a tenant wants a pet to live with them — Gov.uk. 2026-01-14. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/renting-out-your-property-guidance-for-landlords-and-letting-agents/if-a-tenant-wants-a-pet-to-live-with-them
- Can landlords refuse pets? The Renters Rights Act & Pets — NRLA.org.uk. 2025. https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/renters-rights/pets-in-rental-properties
- The Renters’ Rights Act and its impact on single-family rental — Shoosmiths.com. 2025. https://www.shoosmiths.com/perspectives/stories/articles/the-renters-rights-act-and-its-impact-on-single-family-rental
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
