What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Means for Landlords

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces a significant change for landlords in England by granting tenants the legal right to request permission to keep pets in rental properties. Landlords must now consider such requests reasonably and can only refuse for valid reasons, marking a shift from previous blanket bans on pets.

This article explains the key provisions of the Act, its implications for landlords, and practical steps to ensure compliance while managing risks effectively.

New Legal Right for Tenants to Request Pets

Historically, landlords in England have commonly included “no pets” clauses in tenancy agreements, allowing them to prohibit pets outright. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changes this by giving tenants a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must respond to these requests within a reasonable timeframe and consider them fairly.

Refusals are only permitted for valid reasons such as:

• The property type is unsuitable, for example, shared accommodation or flats with lease restrictions.
• The pet poses a safety risk or nuisance to neighbours.
• The pet breaches building insurance or head-lease conditions.

Landlords must provide written justification if they refuse a pet request, demonstrating that the decision is proportionate and compliant with the legislation. Blanket bans on pets will no longer be lawful once the Act’s provisions come into force.

Additionally, landlords may require tenants to obtain pet insurance to cover potential damage, balancing tenant rights with landlord protection.

Why This Change Matters for Landlords

Pet ownership in the UK has increased significantly, especially following the pandemic, with nearly 60% of tenants owning or planning to own a pet. However, many private rental properties currently do not allow pets. The Act aims to align rental practices with modern tenant expectations.

Meeting Tenant Demand

Allowing pets can make properties more attractive to a growing segment of tenants. Pet-friendly landlords often benefit from lower vacancy rates, longer tenancies, and higher tenant satisfaction, as tenants with pets tend to treat their homes as long-term residences.

Managing Risks

Despite the opportunities, landlords must still manage risks such as property damage, noise complaints, and hygiene issues. Recommended measures include:

• Requiring tenants to hold valid pet insurance.
• Including clear pet-related clauses in tenancy agreements covering behaviour, noise, and cleaning responsibilities.
• Conducting regular property inspections to ensure compliance.
• Assessing the suitability of the pet type for the property, for example, small dogs or cats may be acceptable in flats, while larger animals may not.

The British Landlords Association (BLA) advises landlords to update tenancy templates with “reasonable consent” clauses to allow case-by-case assessment of pet requests.

When Will the New Rules Take Effect?

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, but the pet provisions will come into force alongside other key measures such as the abolition of Section 21 notices and the introduction of open-ended Assured Periodic Tenancies.

The government is expected to issue commencement regulations in 2026, which will specify the exact start date and how to handle requests made before the provisions apply.

Landlords should prepare by:

• Removing blanket “no pets” bans from new tenancy agreements.
• Drafting clear policies for handling pet requests consistently.
• Communicating with existing tenants about the upcoming changes.

Once in force, all landlords in England must comply with the new pet request rules regardless of the size of their portfolio.

Practical Steps for Landlords

To comply with the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords should consider the following actions:

• Update tenancy agreements to include a clause allowing tenants to request permission to keep pets.
• Develop a written policy for assessing pet requests fairly and consistently.
• Require tenants to provide full details of the pet, including species, breed, and evidence of pet insurance.
• Respond to requests professionally and within a reasonable timeframe.
• Keep thorough records of all pet requests and landlord decisions for legal clarity.
• Review building insurance policies to ensure pets do not invalidate cover.
• Seek advice from landlord associations or legal professionals if uncertain.

These steps will help landlords avoid disputes, maintain good tenant relations, and ensure compliance with the new legislation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a landlord still refuse pets?
Yes, but only with a valid reason such as property unsuitability or insurance restrictions.

Can landlords charge extra rent for pets?
No. Charging additional rent specifically for pets may breach rent control rules. However, landlords can require pet insurance or a one-off cleaning fee where lawful.

Do existing tenants gain this right?
Yes. Once the Act commences, all tenants, including those with existing agreements, will have the right to request permission to keep pets.

Can landlords revoke permission later?
Permission can be withdrawn if the pet causes nuisance, damage, or breaches tenancy terms, provided proper documentation is maintained.

What happens if a tenant keeps a pet without permission?
This would breach tenancy terms, allowing landlords to issue warnings or seek possession under revised Section 8 grounds.

Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 represents a new approach to pet ownership in the private rented sector, requiring landlords to consider pet requests fairly and transparently. By updating policies and tenancy agreements, landlords can attract a broader tenant base and foster longer tenancies while managing risks responsibly.

The British Landlords Association offers support and guidance to landlords navigating these changes, including templates and legal advice.

Further Reading

• Benefits of Pet-Friendly Lettings
• Updating Tenancy Agreements for New Legislation
• Managing Property Damage in Rental Homes

Useful External Links

• Renters’ Rights Act 2025 – Official Government Publication
• Private Renting and Tenancy Agreements
• Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities