A common sticking point between landlords and tenants is pets, in no small part because it is an extremely emotive issue that often requires a sensitive and considered approach with help from expert letting agents.
The main reason why it can be such a problem is that pets are often seen as members of the family to tenants, whilst by contrast having a pet can increase the risk of potential property damage and the spread of allergens can itself be a problem.
What has complicated matters somewhat is the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is set to change many of the rules and standards surrounding pet ownership in rental properties in a way that has proved controversial to some landlords.
Here is what you need to know about pets, what you need to do as a landlord and the process for refusing pets should there be a good reason to do so.
How Are The Rules Changing?
Historically, it was very difficult for tenants to have pets; most landlords have a no pets clause in their contract as a matter of course or require written permission to do so which was not often granted.
The Renters Rights Bill aims to reverse this and make it easier for tenants to request a pet, and this request must be granted unless there is a reasonable reason to refuse it.
A pet, as defined in the Renters’ Rights Bill, is an animal (as defined by the Animal Welfare Act 2006) kept for personal interest, ornamental reasons, companionship or some combination of all of the above.
If a tenant believes that the landlord unreasonably refused their request, they can either take it to court or to the free Private Rented Sector Ombudsman to get a verdict.
Initially, there was an implied requirement that tenants would need to take out insurance against pet damage or pay for the landlord to do so, but that requirement was amended on 24th June 2025. Allegedly, the issue was that the pet insurance was expected to cost more than expected.
How Can Landlords Refuse Pets?
In many cases, the pet provisions simply codify what had already been seen in certain types of rental agreements or through informal discussions between landlords and tenants.
However, most landlords only refuse to allow pets for a very good reason and there is no clear definition of what a “reasonable” reason to refuse is.
This is likely to change once the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law, but there are some expected reasons that will be considered to be reasonable grounds to refuse a pet:
- If it is forbidden by a superior landlord, usually in the case of a leasehold property such as a flat. A landlord of the leasehold property still needs to take reasonable steps to try and get that consent.
- If there are too many pets for a particular property, or the type of pet is seen as too large or too dangerous for the property in question.
- If there are concerns about animal welfare, such as a dog or cat being left for several hours per day or if concerns have been raised about a tenant’s ability to take care of a pet.
- If the landlord is allergic.
