Can Landlords Refuse Pets? Tenants’ Rights Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025
For many renters, a pet is part of the family, but blanket ‘no pets’ clauses have traditionally made finding a suitable home within the private sector difficult. However, from 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has changed the rights of private tenants with pets.
What Does the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Say About Keeping Pets?
The Act introduces a fairer process for tenants who wish to keep a pet. It implies a term in tenancy agreements requiring landlords to consider a tenant’s request and not to refuse it unreasonably.
For these purposes, a pet is defined as an animal kept by a person mainly for personal interest, companionship, ornamental purposes, or any combination of these.
How Can Tenants Request Permission to Keep a Pet?
The process is as follows. First, the tenant must make a written request to the landlord for permission to keep a pet, including the pet’s breed, age and size. The landlord has 28 days to respond in writing. If the landlord requests further information, there is a further seven days to respond from the date on which the tenant provides the information. This process applies only after the tenancy has begun; it does not apply to prospective tenants.
The position is different where the animal is an assistance animal, such as a guide dog. A landlord must make reasonable adjustments for a tenant who requires an assistance animal and a failure to do so may be a breach of the Equality Act 2010. Emotional support pets, however, are not recognised within the UK and therefore a request in relation to such a pet will be dealt with in the ordinary way.
Can a Landlord Reasonably Refuse a Tenant’s Request for a Pet?
A landlord’s refusal must be reasonable and clearly explained. Permission may be refused where there is a genuine and reasonable concern, for example, the landlord or another tenant has an allergy or where keeping the animal is illegal or dangerous. It may also be reasonable for the landlord to refuse consent where, for example, the landlord is a leaseholder and the agreement with the freeholder prohibits the keeping of pets.
A refusal may be unreasonable where, for example, the landlord does not like pets or is fearful of the damage that the pet might cause. A landlord is not permitted to charge a higher rent or seek a larger tenancy deposit if the tenant wishes to keep a pet.
A tenant can challenge a landlord’s refusal by applying to court. The Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, to be launched in 2028, may be an alternative way of challenging a refusal.
Overall, the new rules are intended to replace blanket refusals with a more transparent and balanced process. Tenants should make detailed written requests, while landlords should consider each application promptly, reasonably and on its individual facts.
Speak to Our Landlord and Tenant Solicitors Today
The changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 have given private tenants greater protection when requesting permission to keep a pet. However, understanding what constitutes a reasonable refusal, how to make a valid request and what options are available if a landlord refuses permission can sometimes be complicated.
At Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, our experienced landlord and tenant solicitors can provide clear, practical advice on your rights and responsibilities. Whether you are a tenant seeking permission to keep a pet or a landlord dealing with a request, we can help you understand the relevant legal requirements and how they apply to your circumstances.
We understand that disagreements over pets can create unnecessary uncertainty and disputes between landlords and tenants. Our team can advise on the requirements of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, challenging unreasonable refusals and ensuring that decisions are made in accordance with the law.
If you need advice about keeping pets in rented accommodation, or your responsibilities as a landlord, contact Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors on 020 8514 9035 or complete our online contact form to discuss your circumstances.
Tenants’ Rights Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 FAQs
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces important changes to the rules surrounding pets in rented properties. Whether you are a tenant seeking permission to keep an animal or a landlord unsure of your legal obligations, these frequently asked questions explain your rights, responsibilities and the options available if a request is refused.
A landlord can refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet, but under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the refusal must be reasonable and clearly explained. For example, a landlord may have legitimate grounds to refuse permission where the animal presents a genuine risk, causes an allergy or is prohibited under the terms of a superior lease. However, a landlord cannot refuse simply because they dislike pets.
If you are unsure whether a refusal is reasonable, Edwards Duthie Shamash can provide legal advice on your rights and options as a tenant or landlord. Contact us to discuss your circumstances.
A blanket no-pets clause cannot override the statutory protections introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. The Act implies a term into tenancy agreements requiring landlords to consider requests to keep pets and not to refuse them unreasonably. Tenants must still obtain permission before keeping a pet, following the prescribed written request process.
Edwards Duthie Shamash can advise tenants and landlords on how the new pet ownership rules affect their tenancy agreements and legal obligations. Get in touch for legal guidance.
No. A landlord cannot increase the rent or demand a larger tenancy deposit simply because a tenant wishes to keep a pet. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 prevents landlords from imposing additional financial charges as a condition of granting permission. However, tenants remain responsible for complying with their tenancy obligations, including liability for damage caused by their pets.
If you need advice about your rights or responsibilities, Edwards Duthie Shamash can provide guidance on landlord and tenant disputes and tenancy law. Contact our team to find out how we can help.
Landlords must make reasonable adjustments for tenants who require assistance animals, such as guide dogs, under the Equality Act 2010 where applicable. This is different from an ordinary request to keep a pet under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. A failure to make appropriate adjustments may amount to disability discrimination. Emotional support animals do not automatically receive the same legal recognition as assistance animals in the UK.
Edwards Duthie Shamash can advise tenants and landlords on their obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and the legal protections available to disabled tenants. Contact us to discuss your legal position.
If your landlord unreasonably refuses a written request to keep a pet, you may be able to challenge the decision through the courts. The landlord should provide a clear explanation for refusing permission, allowing you to consider whether their reasons are legally justified. The Private Rented Sector Ombudsman is also expected to provide an alternative route for resolving certain disputes when it launches in 2028.
Edwards Duthie Shamash can advise tenants on challenging unreasonable decisions and help landlords understand how to comply with their obligations under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025. Contact us to discuss your options.