Pets and the 2025 Renters’ Rights Bill: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know

Key Pet-Related Provisions in the Bill

Landlords Must Consider Pet Requests Fairly

Tenants now have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet.
Landlords must respond in writing and cannot unreasonably withhold or delay their decision.

Reasonable Grounds for Refusal Still Apply

While blanket bans are no longer allowed, landlords can refuse a pet request on reasonable grounds.
This might include the pet being unsuitable for the property (e.g., a large dog in a small flat) or restrictions in a superior lease.

Timely Responses Are Required

Landlords are expected to respond to pet requests within 28 days.
If consent from a superior landlord is needed, they must seek it within that timeframe and reply to the tenant within 7 days of receiving a response.
While these timelines reflect best practice, they may be subject to further clarification in official guidance.

Pet Insurance May Be Required

To protect against potential damage, landlords can require tenants to obtain pet insurance.
This ensures that any accidental damage caused by the pet is covered, offering peace of mind for both parties.

Tenancy Agreements Should Be Updated

Once permission is granted, landlords should update the tenancy agreement to include pet-specific clauses.
These might cover pet identification, tenant responsibilities, and expectations around property maintenance.

For tenants, this change represents a significant step forward in making rental properties feel like true homes. For landlords, it offers a structured way to manage pet ownership while protecting their investment.

As the Renters' Rights Bill progresses through Parliament, landlords should review their tenancy agreements and insurance policies, while tenants should be prepared to demonstrate responsible pet ownership.