Pets in Rental Properties: What Every Landlord Should Know

Summary: With over half of UK households owning pets, landlords increasingly face requests from tenants wishing to keep animals in rental homes. While landlords can still refuse pets, the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act will require them to consider requests fairly and not unreasonably withhold consent.

Introduction

Pets are now common in rental properties, reflecting the fact that more than half of UK households have at least one animal. This trend presents both opportunities and challenges for landlords. Many want to be accommodating but are concerned about potential damage such as scratched floors, chewed furniture, and persistent odours. Understanding the current legal framework and forthcoming changes helps landlords manage pet requests effectively and avoid disputes.

Can Landlords Refuse Pets in 2025?

Landlords retain the right to refuse pets by including a clear ‘no pets’ clause in tenancy agreements. However, blanket bans are increasingly discouraged, especially following government updates to the Model Tenancy Agreement in 2021. This agreement now assumes tenants have consent to keep pets unless a ‘no pets’ clause is explicitly stated.

Tenants must request permission in writing before bringing a pet into the property. Landlords are expected to respond within a reasonable timeframe, typically 28 days, and cannot unreasonably withhold or delay consent. Permission should be granted if the tenant is responsible and the pet is appropriate for the property.

Importantly, landlords cannot charge additional non-refundable pet fees or increase the security deposit beyond the legal maximum of five weeks’ rent to cover pet-related damage. Overly restrictive clauses may be challenged under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 as unfair.

For landlords using platforms like OpenRent, there is an option to indicate whether pets are allowed when advertising properties. In 2024, over a quarter of listings permitted pets, reflecting growing acceptance. Standard Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) agreements often include clauses requiring tenants to seek written permission before keeping pets, helping landlords maintain control.

Dealing with Pets Kept Without Permission

If a tenant keeps a pet without permission and it causes problems such as property damage or disturbance to neighbours, landlords may consider eviction using a Section 8 notice. Evidence of the pet’s impact will be necessary to support this action.

Landlords can also claim costs for any damage caused by pets from the tenant’s deposit at the end of the tenancy or pursue legal action if required. However, if the tenant pays rent on time and there are no issues during inspections, eviction may not be the most appropriate response. Open communication with tenants is advisable to resolve concerns amicably before resorting to legal measures.

Assistance Animals and the Law

Tenants with disabilities who require assistance animals, such as guide dogs, have additional protections. Even if a tenancy agreement contains a ‘no pets’ clause, landlords must make reasonable adjustments to accommodate these animals. Refusing such requests could be deemed discriminatory under equality legislation.

There may be exceptions if landlords can demonstrate valid health and safety concerns. Nonetheless, landlords should carefully assess each case to ensure compliance with their legal obligations.

The Impact of the Renters’ Rights Act on Pets

The forthcoming Renters’ Rights Act aims to make it easier for tenants to request permission to keep pets. Under the new rules, landlords cannot refuse without a valid reason, such as restrictions in a superior lease.

This right applies only to existing tenants, not to prospective applicants. Landlords will still be able to specify pet policies in property advertisements. Once a tenant requests permission, landlords have 28 days to respond. If permission is refused, tenants may challenge the decision through the private rented sector ombudsman or the courts.

The ombudsman service is free and offers a straightforward way for tenants to raise disputes. Both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence and arguments.

Pet Deposits and Fees

The Renters’ Rights Act will prohibit landlords from charging separate pet deposits. The government maintains that the existing tenancy deposit, capped under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, provides sufficient protection against pet-related damage.

Conclusion

Landlords should prepare for a rental market where pet ownership is increasingly common and supported by new legislation. Clear tenancy agreements, prompt communication, and reasonable consideration of pet requests will help maintain positive landlord-tenant relationships and protect property condition. Awareness of rights and responsibilities regarding assistance animals is also essential to avoid discrimination claims.

For further guidance on tenancy agreements, deposits, and landlord obligations, visit Landlord Association.