Pets in Rentals: What the 2025 Renters’ Rights Bill Means for Tenants and Landlords

The 2025 Renters’ Rights Bill is reshaping the landscape of private renting in England, and one of its most talked-about changes is the new framework around tenants keeping pets. Designed to strike a fair balance between tenant freedoms and landlord responsibilities, the legislation introduces clear rules that both parties need to understand.

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.

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