Landlords can no longer have a blanket ban on pets or on a type of pet.
The Renters Rights Act 2025 defines a pet as an animal kept by a person mainly for personal interest,
companionship, ornamental purposes, or any of those purposes.
Please note Guide Dogs are not classified as pets and cannot be refused.
The Renters Rights Act 2025 gives all tenants the right to request a pet. The request must be in writing and include a description of the proposed pet.
The CRLA have a template for tenants to complete together with a pet policy, it is recommended that a copy of these are given with the tenancy agreement at the commencement of the tenancy.
Landlords have twenty eight days to respond (in writing). At any time during and up to the twenty eight day limit the landlord can request further information
At the end of the twenty eight days the landlord must either request further information about the proposed pet, permit or refuse the application.
Any refusal must be explained in full.
Valid reasons for refusal are:
- Property size or space limitations (e.g., a large dog in a tiny studio flat)
- The pet is illegal or prohibited by law
- Superior landlord, head-lease, or freeholder restrictions (e.g., a building lease explicitly bans animals)
- Property is part of an active livestock farm
Expect a multitude of court cases over the coming months over whether the refusal of a pet is valid and, when the Ombudsman scheme starts, then decisions by that Ombudsman. The Renters Rights Act itself does state:
“In proceedings in which a tenant alleges that the landlord has breached the implied term created by section the court may order specific performance of the obligation.” Superior landlords need to be advised of this precedent if a pet is found to be living in another part of the property yet the superior landlord still refuses consent in your tenant’s instance.
Invalid reasons for refusal include:
- Personal dislike of pets or general fear of damage
- Past negative experiences with other animals
- Landlord allergy to pet
- Landlord phobia to pet
Landlords Can Not demand extra rent, a separate pet deposit, or pet insurance
Consider every request on its own merits
- A Great Dane in a small bedsit or flat would be inappropriate although a chihuahua may be acceptable
- A gold fish in a bowl is probably acceptable
- A sixty gallon fish tank in an upstairs room or flat could cause considerable damage if it leaks, so possibly not acceptable
- Would you accept a hamster – why? why not?