The Renters’ Rights Act introduced significant changes for landlords, including new provisions relating to tenants who wish to keep pets in rented accommodation. As a landlord, understanding your responsibilities and rights can help you make informed decisions while staying compliant with the latest legislation.
Changes to pet requests under the Renters’ Rights Act
Under the new rules, tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet in their rental property. Landlords can no longer impose blanket “no pets” policies without considering individual requests. Any request must be assessed fairly and responded to within the required timescales.
For landlords, this means a more structured approach to managing pet applications and ensuring decisions are justified where permission is refused.
How the pet request process works
When a tenant wishes to keep a pet, they must submit a written request outlining relevant details about the animal, such as:
- Species and breed (where applicable)
- Size and age of the animal
- Any housing or enclosure requirements
- Other information that may be relevant to the property
Once a request has been received, landlords must provide a written response within 28 days. If additional information is needed to assess the request, landlords can ask for further details, which may extend the response deadline by up to seven days.
When can a landlord refuse a pet?
Landlords can decline a pet request where there is a legitimate reason. However, any refusal must be reasonable and clearly explained to the tenant.
Examples of grounds that may justify a refusal include:
- The property size is unsuitable for the type or number of animals proposed
- Another resident in a shared property has a medical condition or allergy that could be affected
- Restrictions contained within a superior lease prohibit pets
- The animal falls into a category that is unlawful to own or keep
Landlords should ensure their reasoning is properly documented, as tenants may challenge decisions they believe to be unreasonable.
Can landlords charge more rent or take a larger deposit?
The legislation limits landlords’ ability to charge extra simply because a tenant owns a pet. Security deposits remain subject to the existing legal caps, and landlords cannot increase a deposit solely on pet-related grounds.
Similarly, rent cannot be increased just because a tenant keeps an animal. Rent reviews must follow the appropriate legal process and reflect market conditions. Financial penalties may apply where landlords attempt to bypass these rules.
Managing the risk of pet damage
While deposits may be used to cover genuine damage caused during a tenancy, many landlords are considering specialist insurance solutions to provide additional protection. Pet damage cover can help with unforeseen incidents, such as damage caused by a pet, although normal wear and tear is generally excluded from insurance policies.
Landlords should review their insurance arrangements and discuss available options with their broker or insurer to ensure appropriate cover is in place.
Assistance animals and disability considerations
Assistance dogs remain protected under the Equality Act and are not treated in the same way as standard pets. Landlords may be required to make reasonable adjustments for tenants who rely on an assistance animal as part of a disability-related need. Refusing such requests without adequate justification could expose landlords to discrimination claims.
Understanding emotional support animals
Unlike assistance dogs, emotional support animals (ESAs) do not currently have formal legal recognition in UK housing law. Requests involving ESAs should therefore be considered in the same way as other pet requests.
The benefits of accepting pets
Many landlords find that allowing pets can provide commercial advantages. Pet owners often report difficulty finding suitable accommodation, which can increase demand for pet-friendly properties. In some cases, tenants with pets may also remain in a property for longer, helping reduce void periods, advertising costs, and tenant turnover.
A flexible and transparent approach to pet requests can also contribute to stronger landlord-tenant relationships and better communication throughout the tenancy.
Potential challenges to consider
Despite the benefits, landlords should also consider the practical risks associated with pet ownership in rental properties, including:
- Odours that may require remedial work between tenancies
- Increased cleaning requirements
- Damage to furnishings, flooring or decoration
- Noise complaints from neighbours
- Potential pest issues, such as fleas
It is also worth noting that tenants are only required to return the property in a condition consistent with its original state, allowing for fair wear and tear. Landlords cannot automatically require professional cleaning at the end of a tenancy.
Helping landlords stay protected
As the private rented sector continues to evolve, landlords should review their tenancy agreements, pet policies, and insurance arrangements to ensure they remain compliant and adequately protected. Clear record-keeping, fair decision-making and suitable insurance cover can help minimise disputes while providing reassurance when letting to tenants with pets.
To find out more about landlord insurance with pet damage cover, or tenants contents insurance with pet damage cover, speak to our team on 01603 216399.
This article is intended as a guide only. Please note that legislation does change, it is always best to check the most up to date guidance on gov.uk. Most landlord insurance policies arranged by Alan Boswell Group also have access to a legal advice helpline where policyholders can seek further advice.
