Pets in lets: can you refuse from the 1st May 2026?

What Does the Renters’ Rights Act Say About Pets?

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants in England will have the right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home.

The key change is that landlords will no longer be able to apply blanket “no pets” policies. Instead, every request must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Tenants will also have the right to challenge a refusal through the courts if they believe it is unreasonable.

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When Does the Law Come Into Force?

Most provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act – including the new rules around pets in rented homes – are expected to come into force on 1 May 2026.

There will be no phased introduction, meaning the rules will apply to landlords and tenants immediately from that date.

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How Tenants Must Request a Pet

From May 2026, tenants will need to follow a formal process when requesting permission to keep a pet in a rental property.

The tenant must:

• Submit a written request to the landlord (by letter or email)

• Provide details of the pet they want to keep

Each pet must be requested individually, meaning multiple animals cannot be included under one request.

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How Landlords Must Respond

Once a landlord receives a pet request, the following process must be followed:

1. Consider the request individually – blanket policies are not allowed.

2. Respond in writing within 28 days.

3. Landlords may request additional information, such as breed, size, or training details.

4. If extra information is requested, landlords may take an additional 7 days to issue a final decision.

5. If a landlord fails to respond within the timeframe, tenants may apply to court to force a decision.

6. If permission is granted, it cannot later be withdrawn.

If a landlord refuses the request, they must clearly outline their reasons in writing.

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Valid Reasons Landlords Can Refuse Pets

The Government has outlined situations where refusing a pet request may be considered reasonable. These include:

• Another tenant in the building has a severe pet allergy

• The property is too small for the type or number of pets requested

• The pet is illegal to own

• The landlord is a leaseholder and the freeholder prohibits pets

These decisions should always be based on the specific circumstances of the property.

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Reasons That May Not Hold Up in Court

Some commonly cited landlord concerns are unlikely to be considered reasonable under the new rules.

Landlords generally cannot refuse a pet simply because:

• They do not like pets

• They previously had bad experiences with pet owners

• They worry about potential future damage

• They believe pets may affect future lettings

• The tenant requires an assistance animal, such as a guide dog

Courts will expect refusals to be reasonable and evidence-based.

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What About Pets in Rented Homes in Wales?

The situation in Wales is slightly different.

There is currently no specific legislation requiring landlords to accept pets, but under Welsh tenancy rules:

• A pet clause can be added to the occupation contract

• Tenants should be able to request permission to keep a pet

• Landlords should not unreasonably refuse the request

While the law is less prescriptive than in England, the principle of reasonable consideration is already in place.

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Future Changes in Scotland

Scotland may also see similar changes in the future.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 has received Royal Assent and is expected to introduce a system where tenants can request pets in rental properties. However, the legislation has not yet been implemented, with a possible timeline of 2026 or later.

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What This Means for Landlords

The new legislation doesn’t mean landlords must accept every pet request. However, it does mean that requests must be properly considered and justified if refused.

For landlords, the best approach will be:

• Reviewing tenancy agreements

• Ensuring clear written communication

• Assessing each request fairly

• Keeping records of decisions

The first few months after the law takes effect will likely include test cases that clarify what counts as a reasonable refusal.

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Need Advice on Pets in Rental Properties?

As the Renters’ Rights Act reshapes the lettings landscape, it’s important for landlords to stay informed.

If you have questions about pets in rented properties, tenancy agreements, or the upcoming legislation, our team is here to help.

Contact RedKey today for guidance on managing your rental property with confidence.