The right to request pets under the Renters’ Rights Act

From May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will reshape how tenancies in the private rented sector (PRS) are managed, ended and regulated. These changes bring greater clarity, structure and consistency for responsible landlords and our experienced team can help you prepare well in advance.  

Read on for our analysis of this specific change, and find out how we can help you navigate it.  

What’s changing from the 1st May 2026:

Under the new rules, tenants will have a formal right to request permission to keep a pet and landlords must have a valid reason to refuse this request.  

Landlords must respond to pet requests within 28 days and, where a refusal is necessary, clearly demonstrate that the request is unreasonable or unfeasible, for example, due to lease restrictions. Service animals must always be permitted.

Our team can advise on what is considered reasonable, help you assess each request fairly and ensure your response is fully compliant.

Our view:  

We encourage landlords to view this change as an opportunity to make their properties more appealing to a wider audience. According to Rightmove’s keyword sort tool, the most sought-after feature by renters in 2025 was for a pet-friendly home.

Properties that welcome pets may also encourage tenants to stay longer, helping to reduce turnover and offering landlords greater stability. This can help address concerns around periodic tenancies and tenants’ ability to serve notice more freely.

Speak to us about how to position your property to attract the right tenants while protecting your investment.

How we can help:

It’s natural for landlords to have questions about potential wear and tear. We help remove the uncertainty and stress by putting the right safeguards in place. This includes introducing clear pet policies, preparing detailed inventories at the start of each tenancy, carrying out regular inspections and managing thorough checkouts.

For support with pet requests, tenancy policies or full property management, please contact our team. We’d be happy to help you navigate the changes confidently while protecting your investment.

FAQs

Q. What is a reasonable reason for a landlord to refuse a tenant having a pet?

A. Landlords will be required to consider all pet requests on a case-by-case basis. Given the diversity of landlords, tenants, and properties in the private rented sector, the Government has acknowledged that it is not possible to legislate for every situation in which a landlord could or could not ‘reasonably’ refuse a pet.

It is always considered reasonable for a landlord to refuse a request if, for example, a superior landlord prohibits pets, such as in a leasehold property.

Q. Can I ask for an extra ‘pet deposit’ to cover damage caused by the pet?

A. No, you cannot ask for additional money over the standard deposit amount. The Government ruled that the standard deposit of one month's rent was enough to cover any possible damage caused by a pet in a property.

Q. What happens if a pet damages a property?

A. Tenants pay a tenancy deposit, which can be used to cover any damage to the property. If the cost of repairs exceeds the deposit, landlords may seek to recover the additional amount through the courts, in accordance with the wider rules governing the sector.

Q. Can I still advertise my property to let with ‘No Pets’?

A. Yes, you can still indicate a preference to let your property as ‘no pets.’ However, tenants can submit a request to keep a pet, and under the new rules, you will be required to consider each request fairly.

Every property and pet request is different. 
If you’re unsure whether a refusal is reasonable, or how to handle a specific situation, our team is happy to talk through your options and provide clear guidance. Contact us for tailored advice.