Can My Landlord Refuse Pets? New Rules for 2026

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduced a significant change for pet owners: tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

Previously, most tenancy agreements included blanket "no pets" clauses, and landlords could refuse without giving any reason. Under the new rules:

• You can make a written request to your landlord to keep a pet
• The landlord must respond within 42 days (6 weeks)
• If the landlord does not respond within 42 days, consent is deemed to have been given
• The landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds
• If refused, the landlord must give written reasons

This applies to all assured tenancies in England, which covers the vast majority of private renters.

The legislation does not define "reasonable" exhaustively, but guidance from the government suggests landlords may reasonably refuse in situations such as:

• The property is a small flat with no outdoor space and the pet is a large dog
• The building's head lease or freehold covenants prohibit pets (e.g. in a block of flats)
• The pet would cause a genuine health or safety risk (e.g. venomous animals)
• The property is specifically adapted for someone with allergies (supported housing)

However, landlords cannot refuse simply because:

• They prefer not to have pets in the property
• They are worried about potential damage (this is what pet insurance is for)
• Previous tenants had issues with pets
• The tenancy agreement says "no pets" (blanket bans are overridden by the new legislation)

If you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you can raise the matter with the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (created under the Renters' Rights Act 2025) or apply to the county court.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords can require you to take out pet damage insurance as a condition of granting permission. This is separate from your deposit.

The insurance covers damage caused by your pet to the property, giving the landlord financial protection without needing to increase the deposit (which is capped at 5 weeks' rent under the Tenant Fees Act 2019).

Key points about pet insurance requirements:

• The landlord can specify a reasonable level of cover
• You choose the insurance provider and policy
• The landlord should be named as an interested party on the policy
• You must keep the policy active for the duration of your tenancy
• Premiums typically range from £5 to £20 per month depending on the pet and property

Keep your insurance documents safe and provide a copy to your landlord when requested.

To give yourself the best chance of a successful pet request:

• Put it in writing: Send a formal letter or email to your landlord. Keep a copy and note the date sent.
• Be specific: State the type of pet, breed (if applicable), size, and age. A request for a "small, house-trained cat" is stronger than just "a pet."
• Offer reassurances: Mention that you will take out pet damage insurance, keep the property clean, and ensure the pet does not cause disturbance to neighbours.
• Reference the legislation: Mention the Renters' Rights Act 2025 and the requirement for consent not to be unreasonably withheld.
• Set a deadline: Remind the landlord they have 42 days to respond, and that failure to respond counts as consent.

If your landlord does not respond within 42 days, keep evidence of when you sent the request. You can then proceed on the basis that consent has been granted.

Use our report issue tool to generate a formal pet request letter.