Renters’ Rights Act: What it means for renting with pets

We understand that housing insecurity is one of the biggest reasons pets and the people who love them become separated. And that’s something we want to change.

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 comes into force on 1 May 2026, introducing new legal protections for tenants who want to keep pets in rented homes in England. For the first time, landlords must consider pet requests properly, and blanket bans are no longer allowed.

If you are living with a pet in rented accommodation or considering getting a pet, this guide explains what the law means in practice. Here’s everything you need to know.

What is the new law for renting with pets?

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces new rights for tenants across England, including stronger protections for pet owners.

Under the new rules, tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords must consider each request on a case-by-case basis, respond in writing within a set timeframe (28 days), and provide a valid reason to refuse a request. This means a blanket “no pets” clause in a tenancy agreement will no longer be enforceable on its own.

The new law also provides clearer guidelines for landlords, outlining what is and isn’t a reasonable basis for refusing a request. This benefits both parties; tenants will know their rights and landlords will have clear instructions to follow.

You can read the full government guidance on keeping pets in rented properties on GOV.UK.

When does the Renters’ Rights Act come into force?

The new rules, including those related to keeping pets will be effective on or after 1st May 2026. These rules apply differently depending on your living situation:

• If you already rent a property, you can submit a written request to keep a pet once the law comes into force
• If you’re starting a new tenancy, you can raise a request before signing the agreement

In both cases, the same rules on reasonable refusal and response times apply.

Can a landlord refuse a pet?

Yes, but only for specific and clearly defined reasons. Under the new law, landlords can’t simply say “no pets allowed”. They must consider each request individually and can only refuse if there’s a legitimate reason.

Reasons a landlord could refuse a request to keep a pet

A landlord may be able to refuse your request if:

• Another tenant in the property has an allergy
• The property is too small for the size or number of pets requested
• The animal is illegal to keep (for example, a species banned under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act)
• The landlord is a leaseholder and is bound by the freeholder’s terms, which do not allow animals
• The pet has caused, or is causing, antisocial behaviour

Reasons a landlord will not usually be able to refuse a request to keep a pet

Your landlord will not usually be able to refuse your request because:

• They dislike animals
• They’ve had issues with previous tenants who kept pets
• A past pet caused damage to the property
• They’re worried about potential future damage
• They think keeping a pet might affect future rentals
• You have an assistance animal, such as a guide dog

How do I request to keep a pet in a rented property?

You must make your request in writing. This can be a letter, an email or even a text message. In your request, include as many details about the pet you’d like to keep to help your landlord make a decision. If you already have a pet, these details should include breed and size.

Once you’ve sent your request, your landlord must respond in writing within 28 days. During that time, they can ask for more information; for example, the size of your dog or whether your pet is house trained. They then have either the remainder of the original 28 days or seven days from your response to provide their final decision (whichever is longer).

If your landlord doesn’t respond within 28 days, you can submit a complaint or take them to court.

A few useful tips:

• Keep a copy of your written request and any responses
• Be as detailed as possible about your pet to ensure your landlord has all the information they need to make a decision
• If you have references from a previous landlord confirming your pet caused no issues or damage, you may want to include these

Once your landlord has agreed to you keeping an animal, that decision is final; they cannot change their mind. Keeping the approved pet will not be considered a breach of your tenancy agreement. But, if you want to add another pet to the household later, you’ll need to go through the request process again.

What do I do if I think my landlord has unfairly refused a request?

If you believe your landlord has denied your request without a valid reason, you can challenge their decision.

Start by raising a formal complaint directly with your landlord, explaining why you think the refusal is unreasonable. If that doesn’t resolve the issue, you can take the matter to court. Bear in mind, this doesn’t guarantee your request will be approved.

It’s worth keeping a clear paper trail from the start and saving all written correspondence as well as logging any verbal conversations in writing. This way, you’ll have a record of what was discussed and any reasons given for decisions.

What about damage caused by pets?

The new rules strengthen your rights, but they also come with responsibilities. If your pet causes damage to the property, your landlord may be allowed to use your deposit to cover repair costs.

The good news is that most damage caused by pets is preventable with the right support. If your dog or cat chews furniture, scratches doors or struggles being home alone, they may just need some extra help settling in.

At Woodgreen, we can help.

Our behaviour team offers expert advice and training for a range of pet-related issues, from separation anxiety to destructive behaviours. You can access support through our digital services, or by contacting our Pet Helpline.

Getting help at an early stage can make a huge difference to your pet and prevent issues escalating. Addressing the root cause can save your deposit, your tenancy, and reduce stress for you and your pet.

The Renters’ Rights Act is a positive step for pets and their people

Clearer rules on keeping pets in rental properties mean less confusion, fewer disputes, and a better experience for tenants and landlords. But crucially, this legislation means more pets will be able to stay in the homes they know, with the people they love.

If you’re planning to make a request, put it in writing and include as much detail as possible.

And if you need support with your pet’s behaviour, our friendly team here at Woodgreen is here to help.

The rules described in this article apply in England and will come into force on or after 1 May 2026. This article is intended as general guidance only. If you’re unsure about your specific situation, it’s always worth seeking independent legal advice.