RENTERS RIGHTS ACT 2025 – YOUR TENANT WANTS A PET
Guidance has now been published outlining the need for a tenant to give notice in writing before committing to a pet.
Remember a pet is not just a cat or dog, it could be a goldfish, spider, snake, lizard, horse, llama etc. Obviously the property has to be suitable for the animal – a horse in a bedsit would be silly!
Landlords CAN refuse a tenant’s request!
From the guidance:
It may be reasonable to refuse a request in some circumstances, such as:
- another tenant has an allergy
- the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
- the pet is illegal to own
- if you’re a leaseholder, and your freeholder does not allow pets
It will not usually be reasonable to refuse if you:
- do not like pets
- have had issues with tenants who had pets in the past
- have had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property
- have general concerns about potential damage in the future
- think a pet might affect future rentals
- know the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog
If you refuse a request for a pet, you will need to respond to your tenant in writing. You will need to explain why you are refusing the request.
If you agree to your tenant having a pet, you will not be able to change your mind later. The tenant having the pet you have agreed to will not be considered a breach of the tenancy agreement. If a tenant wants another pet, they will have to ask for your consent again.
The landlord will need to respond to the tenant within 28 days, that time period may be used to find out more about the proposed pet for example the size of the pet, whether it is trained, whether the tenant understands their responsibilities towards the animal etc.