Right to request pets shows limited impact on landlords so far
A recent report finds that since the right to request keeping pets in rental properties came into force in May 2026, most landlords have not received formal pet requests, indicating limited immediate impact on letting practices.
The new right allowing tenants to formally request permission to keep pets in rented homes has not yet led to a significant number of requests to landlords, according to data from the letting agency LRG. The agency surveyed 717 landlords and 860 tenants across England and Wales, finding that 93% of landlords had not received any formal pet requests since the legislation commenced on 1 May 2026.
Among the landlords surveyed, only 6% had approved a request, fewer than 1% had one under consideration, and less than 0.3% had refused a request. This suggests that while the right exists, it has not yet translated into widespread formal applications from tenants seeking to keep pets.
Report findings and market behaviour
LRG’s summer lettings market report highlights that the low volume of formal requests may reflect a change in tenant behaviour rather than a lack of demand for pet-friendly accommodation. Data from property portal Rightmove shows that searches specifically filtering for pet-friendly properties dropped by over 50% year on year in May and June 2026. Despite this, pets remained the most searched-for rental keyword during these months.
The agency interprets this as tenants no longer needing to filter exclusively for properties already labelled as pet-friendly. The new right to request permission means tenants can apply to keep pets in any property, making the pet-friendly label less relevant in search criteria.
LRG notes that nearly 30% of tenants already own a pet, with a further 19% considering or planning to get one within the next year. Before the legislation, no-pets policies had a tangible personal cost for many tenants. The report cites that 15% of tenants chose not to get a pet they wanted, 12% lost out on a property due to pet restrictions, and 5% had to give up or rehome an animal.
Supporting this, a Dogs Trust survey found that one quarter of renting dog owners had been denied housing because of their pet. The right to request was introduced to address these issues and reduce barriers for tenants wishing to keep pets.
Context of the right to request pets in rental properties
The right to request keeping pets in rented accommodation was introduced as part of broader rental reform efforts to improve tenant rights and reduce discrimination against pet owners. Previously, many landlords enforced blanket no-pets policies, limiting housing options for tenants with animals.
This legislation requires landlords to consider tenant requests to keep pets fairly and respond within a set timeframe. While landlords can refuse requests on reasonable grounds, such as property suitability or safety concerns, blanket bans are no longer permitted without justification.
The change aligns with growing recognition of the benefits pets provide to tenants’ wellbeing and the need for more flexible and inclusive rental practices. However, the legislation also balances landlord concerns about property damage, insurance, and neighbour relations.
Practical implications for landlords and letting agents
Despite the low number of formal requests so far, landlords and agents should prepare for potential increases as awareness of the right grows. They will need to establish clear procedures for handling pet requests, including timely responses and documenting decisions and reasons for approval or refusal.
Landlords should review their tenancy agreements and property suitability for pets, considering factors such as flooring, garden access, and potential impact on neighbours. Insurance policies should be checked to ensure coverage includes tenants’ pets.
Letting agents will play a key role in advising landlords, managing tenant communications, and ensuring compliance with the new rules. They may also need to update property listings to reflect the ability to request pets, moving away from blanket pet-friendly or no-pets labels.
Uncertainties and what to watch for
The data so far covers only the initial months following the right’s introduction, so the full impact remains to be seen. It is unclear whether formal requests will increase as tenants become more aware or if informal agreements will continue to dominate.
Landlords may also face challenges in defining reasonable grounds for refusal and managing disputes over pet-related issues. Future guidance or case law could clarify these points, so landlords and agents should monitor developments closely.
Local authorities and regulators may also introduce related licensing or standards affecting pet keeping in rental properties, adding complexity to compliance. The sector should watch for any updates or enforcement trends.
Considerations for landlords going forward
- Review and update tenancy agreements to reflect the right to request pets and outline conditions clearly.
- Develop a standard process for receiving, considering, and responding to pet requests within the statutory timeframe.
- Assess properties for pet suitability and identify any necessary adjustments or restrictions.
- Check insurance policies for coverage of tenant pets and related liabilities.
- Communicate clearly with tenants about pet policies and expectations to reduce misunderstandings.
- Stay informed about any further regulatory guidance or legal developments related to pet keeping in rented homes.
Keeping your rental properties compliant
Membership of The Landlord Association (TLA) offers landlords and letting agents access to up-to-date compliance resources and practical guidance on managing pet requests under the new legislation. TLA’s developing property management platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, is designed to help members organise portfolio records, document tenant communications, and record key actions related to tenancy management, including pet permissions.
ORBIT aims to assist landlords in maintaining clear evidence of compliance with the right to request pets and other regulatory obligations. Members can explore TLA’s compliance resources and consider how to adapt tenancy procedures to meet new requirements effectively. For landlords seeking to stay informed and organised amid ongoing rental reforms, TLA membership provides valuable support.
Landlords should continue monitoring tenant demand and regulatory updates to ensure their policies remain fair and compliant while balancing property protection and tenant rights.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association