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 and what you should do if you want to have a pet in your home.

Ask for permission

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

In your request you 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)

We recommend you keep copies of all correspondence.

What happens if I don't ask for permission?

If you keep a pet without permission you may be breaking the terms of the tenancy agreement.

Can my landlord refuse permission?

A landlord cannot refuse without a fair reason. The landlord will have 28 days to let you know their decision in writing. If a landlord asks you for more information it is important that you respond or your request no longer needs to be considered.

If your landlord refuses permission they should provide a reasonable explanation based on the specific circumstances, such as the type of property, the size or nature of the pet, or restrictions that apply to the building.

Examples of reasons a landlord may consider reasonable include:

• The property is too small for the animal.
• The pet could pose a risk to other residents.
• The building lease prohibits certain types of pets.
• Keeping the pet would breach another legal requirement.

What can I do if my landlord refuses?

You can try and negotiate with your landlord, or find a more suitable property for your circumstances. If you believe the refusal is unreasonable a tenant 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.  A tenant who needs an assistance dog should seek advice if their landlord refuses permission.

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 my landlord agrees?

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

A landlord cannot change their mind about the pet once permission has been given, but if a tenant wants another pet you must ask for permission again.

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 tenants: If you want a pet to live with you - GOV.UK