Since 1 May 2026, landlords need a good reason if they want to refuse their tenant permission to keep a pet.
However, if you already have a pet and are trying to find a new place to live, it can be easy for a landlord who doesn’t want pets in their property to simply let it to someone else.
You want to get a pet in a home you are already renting?
If you are already renting a property and you would like a pet, you have the right to ask your landlord’s permission, and they cannot unreasonably refuse this.
There are some pros to letting out to pet owners you should mention in this contact. It indicates that you are more likely to stay in the property long-term, meaning the landlord will not have to go through the costly and time-consuming process of putting the property on the market.
The government suggests that your written requests should include this information:
- what type of animal you want to get
- how big it is (or will get)
- how much room it will need and if it needs an enclosure or similar
- if it is house-trained/your plans to house-train it
Any other information that may help demonstrate that you will be a responsible owner
The landlord will have 28 days to respond in writing and might ask for more information in this period. Depending on when you respond, they might get an extra 7 days to decide.
If they mention the risk of damage to the property, remind them that the deposit you will have already paid them would cover this damage. However, do not forget that the landlord cannot claim back any money from the security deposit for fair wear and tear, so they should not claim back any of the deposit if you simply own a pet that has not caused damage during your tenancy. We have an information page on deposit disputes here.
Also, remember that while a landlord may not be open to you getting certain pets or breeds, they may accept another. Check with them to see if they would allow for an alternative.
What is reasonable for landlords to refuse permission is not set in stone, but the government has provided the following examples that may apply. Note in blocks of flats there may be rules that ban pets that affect the whole building, which your landlord will have to respect.
| Examples of valid reasons | Examples of invalid reasons |
| Superior landlord refusal (typically affects flats) Another tenant has a pet allergy The property is too small The pet is illegal to own | Dislike of pets Issues with past tenants who had pets Concerns about potential damage Concerns about effect on future rentals |
If they say yes, they can’t retract this.
If you want a different pet you’ll have to ask permission for this separately.
Note that if you get a pet without permission, the landlord may be able to evict you using ground 12 for breach of the tenancy.
If your pet damages the property this could lead to eviction under Grounds 13 or 15, and if it causes a nuisance to neighbours this could lead to eviction under Ground 14.
You are moving and need to convince a landlord to rent to a pet owner?
If you are moving with a pet there are a number of ways you can demonstrate responsible pet ownership to a potential landlord. First, you need to go to your vet and ask them for a letter confirming your animal (if relevant) is neutered, in receipt of regular flea/worm treatment, has their vaccines up to date and are microchipped.
Second, if you have a good relationship with your current landlord, you can also ask them for a pet reference confirming they’ve never had any pet-related issues during your tenancy.
Finally, take pictures of your current property, especially the carpets, soft furnishings (if not yours) and wall coverings to show there’s no pet damage. You can find more information about demonstrating responsible pet ownership here.
As mentioned above however, landlords still have the power to refuse any pet owners from renting their properties. It’s a numbers game, and you’ll need to apply for as many suitable properties as possible.
What are your legal rights?
Assistance dogs are legally recognised in the Equality act, meaning landlords have to make reasonable adjustments where an assistance dog is required
However, a tenant who needs an assistance dog should still ask permission from their landlord and seek advice if their landlord still refuses.
Landlords and agents in England cannot ask for a higher tenancy deposit for renting with pets, and cannot seek a rent higher than what they have advertised. However, landlords and agents may be more likely to raise the rent on pet owners when they can in order to make up for this.
If the property is a leasehold (e.g. a flat), the landlord may face rules that mean they cannot offer it as a pet-friendly let. Many leases have pet bans, which cannot be changed unless every leaseholder is consulted and agrees to this.
For more information on pet ownership in the rental market, please follow these links:
