Landlords And Pets: What's Changed?
Pet requests now need to be considered fairly, but landlords can still assess each individual situation.
The rules around tenants and pets changed in May 2026. Landlords cannot simply operate a blanket refusal, but that does not mean every pet request has to be accepted.
Since the Renters’ Rights changes came into force on 1 May 2026, a tenant can now make a written request to keep a pet and the landlord cannot refuse without a fair reason. The landlord normally has 28 days to respond and can ask for further information where needed.
That doesn't mean landlords have lost all control. It means pet requests now need to be considered properly.
You can still consider the individual pet
The sensible approach is to look at each request on its merits rather than thinking simply in terms of pets being allowed or not allowed.
There is a considerable difference between somebody asking to keep a small, house trained dog in a three bedroom house with a garden and somebody wanting several large dogs in a small flat.
The current government guidance recognises this. A refusal may be reasonable if, for example, the property is too small for the pet, another tenant has an allergy, the animal is illegal to own or a superior lease or freeholder prevents pets from being kept at the property.
What landlords generally cannot do is refuse simply because they personally dislike pets, because a previous tenant’s pet caused damage or because they have a general concern that a pet might cause problems in the future.
Ask sensible questions
If a tenant requests a pet, landlords should find out enough information to make a sensible decision.
What type of pet is it? How large is it? How old is it? Is it house trained? How much space does it need? Are there already other pets in the property?
The government guidance specifically allows landlords to ask for further information where it is needed before making the decision. That's much better than applying an automatic yes or no.
There can be a commercial advantage
It is also worth looking at the issue from a landlord’s commercial perspective rather than concentrating only on the potential downside.
Allowing a suitable pet can widen the number of tenants who may be interested in your property. For somebody with a dog or cat, finding a good rental home can be particularly important, so a property that genuinely suits them may be one they are keen to look after and remain in.
Of course, that doesn't mean every pet owner will automatically be a better tenant. The tenant still needs to be properly referenced and the property needs to be suitable.
The point is simply that ruling somebody out purely because they own a pet may mean rejecting an otherwise very good tenant.
What happens if the pet causes damage?
If an agreed pet does cause damage, the current guidance confirms that the landlord may be able to deduct the reasonable cost of repairing that damage from the tenancy deposit. There may also be insurance cover available where the landlord or tenant holds a relevant policy, although the same loss cannot be recovered twice.
Good inventories are particularly important here. The condition of the property should be properly recorded at the beginning of the tenancy so there is clear evidence if anything changes later.
Saying yes does matter
There is another point landlords need to understand. Once permission has been given for a particular pet, the landlord cannot simply change their mind later. If the tenant then wants another pet, they need to make a new request.
This is another reason to consider the original request carefully and document the decision properly.
So, should landlords allow pets?
In many cases, yes. But that doesn't mean saying yes automatically.
The better approach is to consider the tenant, the pet and the property together. A responsible tenant with a suitable pet in an appropriate home may present very little additional risk and could potentially be an excellent long term tenant.
Where there is a genuine reason why the pet is unsuitable, landlords can still refuse, but the reason needs to be fair and justifiable under the new rules.
If you are a landlord and are unsure how the new pet rules affect your tenancy, or you would like us to review your rental property or wider portfolio, our lettings team would be happy to help. We are happy to check things for you free of charge and give you clear, practical advice on anything worth considering.
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