Pet Requests

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, tenants have a new right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must consider these requests and can only refuse on reasonable grounds.

Tenant's right: Tenants can make a written request to keep a pet.

Landlord's obligations:

• You must respond in writing within 28 days
• You can only refuse if you have reasonable grounds
• If you don't respond within 28 days, consent is deemed granted

Reasonable grounds for refusal may include:

• Property unsuitable (e.g., small flat, no outdoor space for a dog)
• Lease restrictions (e.g., in a block of flats where the head lease prohibits pets)
• Type of pet (e.g., dangerous animals)

What is NOT reasonable:

• Blanket "no pets" policies without consideration
• Refusing because you simply don't like pets
• Refusing assistance dogs (this is discrimination)

Insurance requirement: Landlords can require tenants to have pet damage insurance.