Can your landlord refuse pets?

For many of us, dogs and other animals can feel like an essential part of our home lives. Here, we describe the practical details of the recent rule changes and when it’s reasonable for landlords to turn down a pet request.

How the new legislation works

Several parts of the RRA are now live, including stronger rights for animal lovers living in private rented properties. The government recognises the importance of pets for wellbeing, from taking your pooch for a daily walk to curling up with your cat after a hard day.

As of the 1st of May this year, tenants have a statutory right to request to keep a pet in their home. Landlords can no longer flatly refuse animals or apply blanket bans. Instead, they must consider each request and not refuse without a good reason.

We’ll cover what a ‘good reason’ looks like below, but first let’s consider the formal process involved:

• The tenant must apply to the landlord in writing, sharing relevant information like the type and size of the animal and how much room it will need. For example, I’d like to keep a Maine Coon cat who will need to access the communal garden.
• The landlord must respond in writing within 28 days, possibly to ask for more details. For example, does your cat shed heavily year-round?
• If the tenant doesn’t reply, the landlord doesn’t need to consider the request.
• If the tenant supplies the details, the landlord has either the remaining 28 days or an extra 7 days to respond with their final decision, whichever is later. If the landlord says no to the request, they must explain why.

If the tenant believes the landlord has denied their request unfairly, they can contact the private rented sector (PRS) Ombudsman once it’s created (expected in 2028) or apply to the court to challenge the decision. It’s a good idea to keep a record of any communications about the issue in case there’s a legal dispute.

Reasonable grounds for refusing pets

So, when can a landlord turn down someone’s request? Here are examples of when it might be reasonable.

• It is illegal to own the animal
• The landlord is a leaseholder and the freeholder doesn’t allow pets
• The home is too small to be suitable
• Another tenant has an allergy to this type of animal

On the flip side, it’s generally unreasonable to refuse if the landlord:

• Dislikes the type of animal
• Has had previous tenants whose pets damaged the property or caused other problems
• Worries the pet might affect future rentals
• Knows the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog

What happens if pets cause damage

Under the new system, tenants don’t require pet insurance. Instead, landlords can recover costs from any damage – scratch marks or a stained carpet, for example – from the tenant’s deposit or through their landlord insurance.

Let’s say a dog chews a sofa leg. The first thing the tenant should do is talk to their landlord about how they can fix or replace the furniture. Perhaps the tenant suggests they order a new leg and fit it themselves within a certain timeframe.

In fact, good communication helps with every aspect of pet ownership, from the tenant initially explaining the practicalities of keeping the animal to discussing any problems early on and finding solutions.

Final thoughts

Can landlords refuse pets? Yes, they can – as long as they properly consider the request and then share a reasonable explanation with the tenant. This way, tenants can feel confident that they are given a fair chance to live with their furry friend. If you’re unsure how the new pet rules apply to a tenancy agreement or property, talk to your local Winkworth lettings team for practical guidance.