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Pets and renting: your rights as a tenant
Since 1 May 2026, tenants with an assured tenancy in England have a legal right to ask to keep a pet, and the landlord must not unreasonably refuse. The landlord must give or refuse consent in writing, usually within 28 days. A "no pets" clause no longer settles the matter on its own.
General information for the UK, checked on 2026-11-09. It is not legal or veterinary advice. For your own situation, speak to a solicitor, your local council or a vet.
How to ask
Make the request in writing and include details of the pet: the type of animal, breed, size and age, and how it will be cared for. A clear, complete request makes an unreasonable refusal harder to justify.
The landlord's deadline
The landlord must give or refuse consent in writing within 28 days. If they reasonably ask for more information, they have until 7 days after you provide it. If they need the consent of a superior landlord, such as a freeholder, the deadline can be extended.
Reasons a landlord may be able to refuse
The Act says it can be reasonable to refuse where keeping the pet would put the landlord in breach of a superior lease, or where a superior landlord's consent is needed and has not been given after reasonable steps. Landlord guidance (such as the NRLA's) suggests other reasons may also be reasonable, such as a property genuinely unsuitable for the animal or a serious allergy of another resident in shared accommodation, but each depends on the facts and can be challenged.
Each request must be considered on its own merits. A blanket "no pets" policy is not enough.
If the landlord unreasonably refuses
You can challenge the decision, through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman once it is running, or through the courts.
Deposits and damage
Deposits are still capped under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 at five weeks' rent (six if the annual rent is £50,000 or more), so a landlord cannot take an extra pet deposit above the cap. You remain responsible for damage your pet causes beyond fair wear and tear.
Social housing, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The new right applies to private assured tenancies in England. Scotland has passed a similar right for private tenants in the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025, but it is not yet in force; Wales, Northern Ireland and social housing follow their own rules, so check your tenancy agreement and ask your landlord in writing.
Frequently asked questions
Can my landlord refuse to let me have a pet?
In England, since 1 May 2026, a landlord of an assured tenancy must not unreasonably refuse a written request to keep a pet, and must respond in writing, usually within 28 days.
How long does a landlord have to answer a pet request?
Usually 28 days. If they reasonably ask for more information, they have until 7 days after you provide it.
Can a landlord charge a pet deposit?
Not above the cap under the Tenant Fees Act 2019: five weeks' rent (six if the annual rent is £50,000 or more). You remain responsible for damage your pet causes.
What counts as a reasonable refusal?
The Act says it can be reasonable to refuse where keeping the pet would put the landlord in breach of a superior lease, or where a superior landlord's consent is needed and has not been given after reasonable steps. Landlord guidance (such as the NRLA's) suggests other reasons may also be reasonable, such as a property genuinely unsuitable for the animal or a serious allergy of another resident in shared accommodation, but each depends on the facts and can be challenged.
Sources
Related guides
- Dogs: care, health, law and costs
- Cats: care, health, law and costs
- Dog attacks and bites: the law and owner liability
- Buying a puppy or kitten: Lucy's Law and your rights
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Open Be Pet WiseBrowse all guidesReviewed 2026-11-09. General information for the UK, not veterinary or legal advice. See how we check.