Renting with Pets in 2026: Your Right to Request
If you’re a tenant who wants to keep a pet, the rules have changed significantly in your favour. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 gives you a legal right to request permission to keep a pet in your rented home — and landlords cannot simply say no without a good reason.
The right to request a pet
Under the Act, any tenant can make a written request to keep a pet at their rented property. The landlord must respond within 28 days. They can:
- Grant permission — with or without conditions
- Refuse permission — but only if they have a reasonable, justifiable reason
A landlord cannot refuse simply because they have a blanket “no pets” policy. The refusal must relate to the specific circumstances of the property or the request. For example, refusing a large dog in a studio flat where the lease prohibits animals may be reasonable; refusing a cat in a three-bedroom house with a garden purely on principle is unlikely to be.
Pet damage insurance
If a landlord grants permission, they can require the tenant to take out a pet damage insurance policy. This protects the landlord against damage caused by the pet beyond normal wear and tear. The Tenant Fees Act limits are taken into account, so landlords cannot charge an additional pet deposit on top of the standard tenancy deposit. The insurance requirement is the permitted mechanism for managing this risk.
What counts as an unreasonable refusal?
The legislation does not provide an exhaustive list, but the principle is that refusals must be proportionate and property-specific. If a landlord refuses without giving reasons, or gives reasons that are clearly not connected to the property, a tenant can challenge this. The first step would be to raise it with the landlord directly; if unresolved, it can be referred to the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
Existing “no pets” tenancy clauses
If your tenancy agreement contains a blanket prohibition on pets, that clause cannot override your statutory right to request under the Act. You still need to make a formal request and receive permission — you cannot simply bring a pet in — but the landlord must consider your request on its merits rather than point to the clause as a reason to refuse outright.
How to make a pet request
The request should be made in writing — email is fine. Include:
- The type and breed of pet
- A brief explanation of how you plan to care for it responsibly
- Any relevant context (e.g. the pet is already well-established in your home, it is a support animal, etc.)
Keep a copy of all correspondence. If the landlord does not respond within 28 days, the request is deemed refused and you can escalate.
Advice for landlords
Landlords should update their tenancy documentation and establish a clear process for handling pet requests. Blanket refusals expose you to complaints and potential Ombudsman findings. A fair, case-by-case approach — combined with a pet insurance requirement where appropriate — is both legally compliant and good practice. At Elliot Oliver, we can help you manage this process professionally.
If you have questions about your rights or responsibilities around pets in rented property, contact our team.
