Can Landlords Refuse Pets?

Nearly half the UK population owns a pet. So it’s safe to say that a significant proportion of renters want to move into a new place with their furry friends. Historically, renting with pets has been difficult for renters. Landlords have been wary about potential damage to their homes from animals. Not at all surprising, as a recent survey by Propertymark has revealed that 85.3% of landlords and agents have incurred damage to their property by pets. So, can landlords refuse pets?

Recently passed legislation has underlined the need for renters to find a place to rent with their pets without facing significant roadblocks. Here, we look at renting with pets. We also look at why a landlord would refuse pets and what it means for you.

Key takeaways

• From 1 May 2026, tenants in the private rented sector have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home.
• Landlords must respond in writing within 28 days and cannot refuse a request without a fair reason.
• Blanket bans on pets in tenancy agreements will be unenforceable under the new law.
• Tenants who feel a landlord has unreasonably chosen to refuse a request can escalate to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman for free.
• The Tenant Fees Act 2019 caps deposits at five weeks’ rent; no additional pet deposits are permitted.
• Pet ownership does not override the need for written consent from your landlord before moving an animal in.

What are the current laws regarding renting with pets?

Tenants in the private rented sector now have the right to request to keep a pet, which landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse. This new law comes into force on 1 May 2026. But a recent study by Propertymark revealed that 57% of landlords and agents were unable to recoup the costs of pet damage. With many landlords unable to recover damage caused by pets, it is no surprise that landlords have generally preferred to let to tenants without pets.

What is the Renters’ Rights Act?

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025 and represents the most significant shift to tenancy law in a generation. Within it are many topics, such as abolishing Section 21. Periodic tenancies are also becoming standard. It also includes support for renting with pets. Therefore, it is now easier for tenants to move home with their animals.

New rules for renting with pets

In 2021, landlords advertised only 7% of properties as ‘pet-friendly’. And one in five pet owners said they considered giving up their pet to find suitable accommodation. Renting with a pet has been historically tricky for renters trying to navigate the rental market.

The Renters’ Rights Act has changed that. Tenants now have a statutory right to request to keep a pet in their rented home. Landlords will no longer be able to impose a blanket “no pets” policy without first reasonably considering each individual request.

Regarding pet damage insurance: the Act does not mandate tenants to hold pet damage insurance or reimburse a landlord’s reasonable costs of such insurance. The previously proposed universal insurance obligation was removed during the legislative process in July 2025. Landlords may still request pet insurance as a reasonable condition. However, it cannot be made mandatory.

Do I still need to ask permission to have a pet?

Even though the Renters’ Rights Act makes renting with a pet more straightforward, you will still need to notify the landlord that you intend to move in with your furry friend. The difference is that the landlord cannot legally refuse your pet without a good reason. However, you still need their permission.

Landlords have 28 days to respond in writing to pet requests. If they don’t respond, consent is implied. Essentially, the legislation means landlords cannot ‘unreasonably withhold consent’ when a tenant requests to have their pet.

Can I challenge a landlord’s decision? 

If a landlord refuses a pet request without a good reason, tenants may be able to challenge this. Landlords must provide good reasons why a pet cannot be kept in the property.

What about higher deposits?

Previously, landlords could require larger deposits from tenants moving in with a pet. However, the Tenant Fee Ban of 2019 meant landlords could no longer charge more than five weeks’ worth of rent as a deposit. This put an end to higher deposits for tenants. Any damage caused by a pet would be covered by the tenant’s rental deposit.

Frequently asked questions

When can a landlord reasonably refuse a pet?

Even under the new rules, there are circumstances where it is reasonable to refuse a pet. It will always be reasonable for a landlord to refuse a request when their superior landlord prohibits pets. This is particularly relevant in leasehold properties, where the freeholder or superior landlord may have restrictions in place that prevent the leaseholder from granting permission, regardless of their personal wishes.

Other reasonable grounds include situations where the property is too small to comfortably and safely house the type of animal requested, or where the pet is illegal to keep under UK law. For example, certain exotic animals and some dog breeds are prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, making it an outright refusal if keeping that pet is illegal.

What happens if I keep a pet without permission?

Even if a tenant keeps a pet without permission, it can still constitute a breach of the tenancy agreement. While Section 21 no-fault evictions will be abolished, landlords may pursue possession through other grounds, such as breach of tenancy terms. It is always best to follow the correct process and seek written consent before bringing a pet into the property.

Do the new rules apply to all rental properties?

These changes are only set to affect private tenancies. Tenancies in social housing are expressly excluded. Leaseholders who rent from a leaseholder should also be aware that the right to have a pet may be subject to the terms of the superior lease.

What is a pets clause, and can landlords still use them?

While landlords may still include a pets clause in tenancy agreements, these cannot override a tenant’s statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. Any refusal must comply with the process set out in the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, regardless of what the tenancy agreement states. Landlords are advised to update their standard clauses to reflect the new rules before 1 May 2026.

Are assistance animals classed as pets?

No. Assistance animals are legally protected under the Equality Act 2010 and must be permitted as a reasonable adjustment for disabled tenants. They are not classed as pets, and this legal obligation overrides any “no pets” clauses in a tenancy agreement.

What if a landlord doesn’t respond within 28 days?

Once a tenant has asked for a pet, a landlord will have 28 days to respond in writing. If the landlord does not respond within 28 days, the tenant will be able to apply to the court, which may enforce the rules if it believes the landlord is not meeting their obligations.

How to find a pet-friendly rental

From 1 May 2026, new laws will give renters stronger rights, better protections and more security in their homes. This includes the right to request to live with a pet. Landlords are required to consider it fairly.

If you’re looking for a rental property you can rent with your pet, or if you’re a pet-friendly landlord, Propertymark’s member letting agents can help you find, or manage, pet-friendly property in your local area. All Propertymark members are fully versed on the latest legislation and will be able to help and advise you.

Find your local Propertymark letting agent to find your pet-friendly rental.

Last Updated: March 25th, 2026