Here’s a Q&A on the practicalities of the new system.
What is the new rule?
Applying to the private rented sector in England, the rule gives tenants a legal right to request a pet, even if the property advert stated ‘no animals allowed’. Landlords can’t flatly refuse but must look at requests on an individual basis and consider factors such as the suitability of the property for the type of animal. This change came into effect on the 1st of May 2026.
Please note: the right to keep an assistance dog is protected by the Equality Act 2010.
What’s the new process for requesting a pet?
Here are the steps:
- Tenants must formally make the request in writing and provide details about the pet they want to keep. For instance, the breed of the dog and whether it’s house-trained.
- Once the landlord has received this paperwork, they need to consider the specific information and circumstances of the request. They then need to answer within 28 days (unless they require further information from the tenant or to go to a superior landlord for consent). If they can’t reply in time, they should inform the tenant.
- If the landlord agrees that the tenant can keep the pet, they might want to set out some conditions in the written tenancy agreement. For example, they could require the tenant to keep cats up to date with their flea and worming medication.
- Alternatively, if the landlord doesn’t agree that the tenant can keep the pet, they must give a valid reason in writing. It’s a good idea to keep records of all communication in case the tenant disputes the reason and escalates the issue.
When can a landlord reasonably turn down a request?
You can’t refuse a pet just because you don’t like the type of animal, or you’ve instantly decided it might cause damage. However, there are times when it’s reasonable to deny the request – for example:
- The breed of dog is too large for the size of the home
- The pet isn’t vaccinated and healthy
- Other residents in the building have allergies
- The animal hasn’t been trained and might be dangerous
- The superior landlord prohibits pets
What if a landlord doesn’t follow the rules?
If a tenant thinks their landlord has unfairly denied their request, they can contact the new private rented sector ombudsman (coming later in 2026) who will try to resolve the dispute. If that doesn’t work, the tenant can apply to the First-Tier Tribunal, which will reach a final decision based on the evidence provided by both parties.
Can landlords charge more rent for tenants with pets?
No – landlords are not allowed to charge extra rent in advance or higher fees for people with pets. Likewise, they can’t require a tenant to take out pet insurance. Instead, they can use the tenancy deposit to cover any damage caused by the animal. If the deposit doesn’t stretch far enough, they can take the tenant to court to recoup the difference.
We’ll publish further updates and advice about the new rules for landlords here on the Winkworth blog. Stay tuned!
