Government Guidance on Pet Requests in Social Housing

The UK government has written to social housing landlords encouraging them to adopt fair and transparent policies regarding tenant requests to keep pets. While landlords in this sector are not legally required to grant permission for pets, the government stresses the importance of considering such requests thoughtfully and communicating decisions clearly.

Context: Differences Between Social Housing and Private Rented Sector

Tenants in the private rented sector (PRS) benefit from the Renters’ Rights Act, which grants them the right to reasonably request permission to keep a pet. Private landlords cannot unreasonably refuse these requests. However, this legal framework does not extend to social housing landlords, who retain discretion but are urged to act fairly.

Encouraging Best Practice Among Social Housing Landlords

Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, stated in the government letter that it is “not proportionate or necessary to legislate to require social housing landlords to fairly consider tenants’ rights to request a pet”. Instead, she encourages landlords to clearly outline their pet policies within tenancy agreements if they have not already done so.

She also recommends sharing best practice on how pet requests are assessed and communicated. This includes explaining to tenants the factors considered when deciding on a pet request, such as tenancy or lease restrictions, property suitability (including size, layout, and access to communal or garden areas), the type and size of the animal, and welfare considerations.

Baroness Taylor emphasises the importance of providing tenants with a straightforward application process and a standard timeframe for decisions, noting when delays might occur if consent from a superior landlord is required.

Requirement to Explain Refusals

Where pet requests are refused, social housing landlords must provide tenants with a written explanation for the decision. Baroness Taylor advises that landlords should also signpost tenants to options for review or redress where appropriate.

Many social landlords include in their policies details on pet welfare and control measures, such as ensuring animals are properly cared for, well-controlled in communal areas, and do not cause nuisance or damage to the property or neighbours.

Private Landlords’ Obligations Under the Renters’ Rights Act

For private landlords, the government has issued guidance on valid grounds for refusing pet requests. These include:

• Another tenant having an allergy (though a landlord’s own allergy is not a valid reason for refusal)
• The property being too small for a large pet or multiple pets
• The pet being illegal to own
• Restrictions imposed by a freeholder or superior landlord if the tenant is a leaseholder

Importantly, private landlords cannot refuse a pet request simply because they dislike pets, have had previous tenants with pets who caused damage, or have general concerns about potential future damage.

What This Means for Social Housing Landlords

While social housing landlords are not legally bound to approve pet requests, the government’s guidance encourages a fair, consistent, and transparent approach. Landlords should review and, if necessary, update tenancy agreements to include clear pet policies and ensure tenants understand the criteria and process for requesting permission.

Providing written explanations for refusals and signposting tenants to review options can help maintain good landlord-tenant relationships and reduce disputes. Sharing best practice within the sector can also improve consistency and tenant satisfaction.

What This Means for Private Landlords

Private landlords must adhere to the Renters’ Rights Act, which limits their ability to refuse pet requests unreasonably. Understanding the valid grounds for refusal and communicating clearly with tenants is essential to comply with the law and avoid disputes.

Suggested internal link anchors

• social housing landlords
• pet requests in social housing
• Renters’ Rights Act
• private rented sector pet policies
• tenancy agreements and pets
• landlord refusal of pet requests
• tenant rights and pets
• property suitability for pets
• pet welfare in rental properties
• landlord-tenant communication

TLA update

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