Renting and Pets - what are the rules?

Changes have been introduced through the Renters Rights Act that mean landlords of privately rented homes cannot operate a blanket "no pets" policy. Below is some guidance about the new rules when a tenant wants a pet in their home.

What happens if my tenant wants a pet?

A tenant should make a request to the landlord in writing. 

The request should include details about the pet such as:

• what type of animal it is
• how big it is
• how much room it will need (for example, if it will be in an enclosure)

 If the tenant keeps a pet without permission they may be breaking the terms of the tenancy agreement. 

Can I refuse permission?

A landlord cannot refuse without a fair reason. Once your tenant has requested a pet you will have 28 days to let your tenant know your decision in writing. You are able to ask for more information if you think you can't make a fair decision without more detail. 

You must consider the request and give a reason why your refusal is reasonable in a written response back to the tenant.  We recommend you keep copies of all correspondence.

Examples of reasons a landlord may consider reasonable include:

• another tenant has an allergy
• the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
• the pet is illegal to own
• if you’re a leaseholder and the freeholder does not allow pets

Reasons that are likely to be seen as unreasonable to refuse include if you:

• do not like pets
• have had issues with tenants who had pets in the past
• have had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property
• have general concerns about potential damage in the future
• think a pet might affect future rentals
• know the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog

Your tenant can negotiate further with you. If the tenant believes the refusal is unreasonable they can challenge the decision through court proceedings.

Assistance dogs - are legally recognised in the Equality Act so reasonable adjustments should be made by law, but permission should still be requested in writing. 

Emotional support animals - are not legally recognised in the UK. There is no legal duty for landlords to make special allowances for emotional support animals so the normal pet rules apply.

What happens if you agree to the requested pet?

Once permission has been given, you cannot change your mind about the pet or change the tenancy agreement. your tenant will still be able to keep the pet. However, if a tenant wants another pet they must ask for permission again.

What if damage is caused?

Tenants remain responsible for ensuring that pets do not cause damage, nuisance, or anti-social behaviour. 

Landlords may require appropriate pet insurance where this is permitted under the legislation, or a landlord can keep money from the deposit to cover repair costs caused by pet damage if no insurance claim is made.

More information

The above is a brief guide of the main changes brought in by the Renters Right Act.

More information and further explanation of the rules is available on the Gov.uk website: Assured periodic tenancies: a guide for landlords: If a tenant wants a pet to live with them - GOV.UK