Renting to tenants with pets can help landlords reach a wider pool of applicants, but it is important to understand the rules and set clear expectations. From 1 May 2026, landlords in the private rented sector in England must consider written pet requests on a case-by-case basis and can only refuse them on reasonable grounds.
The rules may be different in Scotland and Northern Ireland, so landlords should always check the law that applies where their property is located.
What changes from 1 May 2026 in England?
From 1 May 2026, tenants in the private rented sector in England can make a written request to keep a pet in their home. The request must include a description of the pet, and landlords must consider it on a case-by-case basis. A landlord cannot refuse consent unreasonably and must reply in writing within 28 days.
If a landlord needs more information before deciding, they can ask for it within that initial 28-day period. They must then give their final written decision either within the remainder of the original 28 days, or within 7 days of receiving the extra information, whichever is later.
This means that blanket “no pets” policies are no longer a reliable default for private landlords in England. Each request needs to be considered on its own facts.
Why consider tenants with pets?
Allowing pets can make a property more attractive in a competitive lettings market. Many renters find it difficult to secure pet-friendly accommodation, so landlords who are open to suitable pet requests may appeal to a broader range of applicants.
That does not mean every request should be approved. It means landlords should have a clear and practical process for reviewing requests fairly, documenting decisions and setting out expectations in the tenancy agreement.
What landlords should think about before agreeing
A tenant asking to keep a pet does not automatically mean permission must be given. But from 1 May 2026 in England, landlords need to base decisions on reasonable grounds rather than preference alone. GOV.UK’s landlord guidance gives examples of factors that can be relevant.
Is the property suitable?
The size, layout and type of property matter. A small flat may not be suitable for a large dog, and a request for several pets may be harder to justify in a compact property. Government guidance says it may be reasonable to refuse where the property is too small for the type or number of pets requested.
Are there leasehold or superior landlord restrictions?
If the property is leasehold, or subject to another agreement that restricts pets, that should be checked before consent is given. Landlords should review lease terms and obtain any required permission where necessary.
Could the pet affect other occupiers?
In shared buildings or multi-occupancy settings, a landlord may need to consider the impact on others. Government guidance gives the example of another tenant having an allergy as a reason that may be relevant when deciding whether a refusal is reasonable.
Is more information needed?
A landlord can ask for further details about the type, size or circumstances of the pet before making a decision. In practice, landlords may also want to understand whether the pet is trained, how it will be cared for and whether there is any previous landlord reference available.
When can a landlord refuse a pet request?
The key question is whether the refusal is reasonable. Government guidance says examples of potentially reasonable refusals may include:
- the property being too small for the pet
- the number of pets being unsuitable for the property
- another tenant having an allergy
- the pet being illegal to own
- leasehold or superior landlord restrictions preventing consent.
The same guidance says some reasons will not usually be reasonable, including:
- simply disliking pets
- having had problems with pets in the past
- general concerns about possible future damage
- thinking a pet may make re-letting harder
- refusing where the landlord knows the tenant needs an assistance animal.
If a landlord refuses a request, the refusal should be explained clearly in writing.
Assistance animals need special care
Landlords should be especially careful where the animal is an assistance animal. It will not usually be reasonable to refuse a request where the landlord knows the tenant needs an assistance animal.
How to protect your property
Allowing pets does not mean giving up control over how the property is looked after. The best approach is to combine a fair pet policy with strong tenancy management.
Landlords should make sure there is:
- a clear inventory and schedule of conditions
- a tenancy agreement that records which pet has been approved
- clear expectations around cleaning, supervision and nuisance
- routine inspections carried out in line with the law and the tenancy agreement
- prompt action if a problem arises.
Whilst a tenancy deposit can be used, where appropriate, towards the cost of repairing pet-related damage, although the same loss cannot be claimed twice.
What to include in the tenancy agreement
Where a pet is allowed, the tenancy agreement should make that clear. It can help to record:
- which pet has been approved
- that any additional pet will need separate consent
- that the tenant must prevent nuisance or damage
- that the tenant is responsible for any loss beyond fair wear and tear
- that the property should be kept clean and in good condition.
Government guidance also says that once consent has been given for a particular pet, that approved pet cannot later be treated as a tenancy breach simply because it is there. If the tenant wants another pet, they should make a separate request.
What if problems happen later?
If a pet causes a problem during the tenancy, the first step is usually to raise it with the tenant and give them the opportunity to put things right. Where there is nuisance or anti-social behaviour, landlords should follow the appropriate legal route and keep records of the issue and the steps taken.
Scotland and Northern Ireland
Landlords with properties outside England should not assume the same rules apply everywhere.
In Scotland, private renting operates under a different tenancy system, and the Scottish Government has separate private renting policy and tenancy arrangements. The Scottish Government has also consulted on reforms relating to pets, which sit within Scotland’s own housing legislation framework rather than England’s Renters’ Rights Act changes.
In Northern Ireland, private renting is also governed by its own rules and guidance. General information for landlords and tenants is provided through nidirect, and landlords should follow Northern Ireland-specific requirements rather than relying on England guidance.
The bottom line
Letting to tenants with pets can work well for landlords, provided decisions are made carefully and expectations are clear from the outset.
From 1 May 2026, private landlords in England must consider written pet requests fairly, respond within the required timeframe and only refuse where there is a reasonable basis for doing so. Taking a practical, case-by-case approach can help landlords protect their property while making it easier to attract suitable tenants.