Pets have become one of the more practical questions for landlords under the Renters’ Rights Act. The issue is not simply whether a landlord personally likes the idea of pets in a rental property. It is whether they have a clear, fair and reasonable way to deal with requests.
From 1 May 2026, the main Renters’ Rights Act reforms began to take effect in the private rented sector. NRLA guidance says tenants now have stronger rights around requesting pets, and landlords will need reasonable grounds if they refuse a request [1].
That does not mean every property has to accept every pet. It does mean landlords may need to think more carefully about how decisions are made and recorded.
Start With The Property, Not A Blanket Rule
A blanket “no pets” approach may be harder to justify under the new rules. A better starting point is the property itself.
Some homes are more suitable for pets than others. A ground-floor flat with direct garden access is different from a small upper-floor flat with communal hallways. A house with hard flooring may carry different risks from one with new carpets throughout. Leasehold flats may also have building rules that restrict animals in the block.
The question is not only “do I allow pets?” It is “would this particular pet be suitable for this particular property?”
A landlord might reasonably consider:
- the size and type of property
- whether there is outdoor space
- flooring and furnishings
- leasehold or building restrictions
- the number and type of pets requested
- whether the pet is suitable for the layout
- whether there are shared entrances or communal areas
This makes the decision more practical and easier to explain.
Put The Request Process In Writing
A clear process helps both sides.
Rather than dealing with pet requests informally by text or phone, landlords may want a written process. This could ask the tenant to provide basic details such as the type of pet, breed or size where relevant, age, whether it is already owned, and how it will be cared for at the property.
This is not about making the process difficult. It is about having enough information to make a sensible decision.
Keeping a written record also matters. If a request is accepted, the agreement should be recorded clearly. If it is refused, the landlord should be able to explain why the refusal is reasonable and linked to the property or circumstances.
Think About Conditions, Not Just Yes Or No
In some cases, the answer may not need to be a flat yes or no. A landlord may be able to agree to a pet with reasonable conditions.
For example, this might include:
- the tenant keeping the property clean and free from pet damage
- any damage being repaired at the tenant’s cost, where appropriate
- carpets or flooring being professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy
- the pet not causing nuisance to neighbours
- the tenant following building or leasehold rules
- updated inventory notes before the pet moves in
The conditions should be fair and realistic. They should also be written clearly so there is less room for misunderstanding later.
Check Insurance And Lease Restrictions
Before agreeing to a pet, landlords should check whether there are any restrictions outside the tenancy itself.
Some leasehold properties have rules about animals in the building. These may come from the freeholder, management company or head lease. If those rules prevent pets, the landlord may not be able to agree even if they personally would.
Insurance is another point to check. Landlords should make sure their policy still provides appropriate cover if a tenant keeps a pet at the property. Some policies may have exclusions or conditions around pet damage.
This is one of those checks that is better made before saying yes, not after a problem appears.
Keep The Inventory Detailed
A strong inventory becomes even more useful where pets are involved.
Before a pet is agreed, landlords may want updated photographs and clear notes on flooring, doors, skirting boards, gardens, furniture and any existing wear. This protects both landlord and tenant because it makes the starting position clear.
At the end of the tenancy, it is much easier to deal with damage or cleaning issues if there is proper evidence of the condition at the start.
This does not need to be heavy-handed. It is simply good property management.
A Fair Policy Can Protect Everyone
The direction of travel is clear: tenants are being given more ability to request pets, and landlords are expected to consider those requests properly.
For landlords, the safest approach is to move away from blanket rules and towards a clear process. Look at the property, ask for relevant details, check the lease and insurance position, record the decision, and set fair conditions where needed.
A well-managed pet policy can help landlords stay compliant while still protecting the property. It also gives tenants a clearer answer, which can reduce disputes and misunderstandings later.
Buy-to-let mortgages are not usually regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Source Data
[1] NRLA, The Renters’ Rights Act: Everything You Need To Know, https://www.nrla.org.uk/resources/renters-rights
