Right now, landlords get to decide if pets are allowed in their rental properties. But since 2021, the Government has been encouraging landlords to say yes to pets by updating the Model Tenancy Agreement.
The Government is in the process of changing the law to make it easier for renters to have pets. This new legislation called The Renters Rights Bill, is expected to become law in 2025 and will change the Housing Act of 1988.
One important change in this new law is that tenants will usually be allowed to have pets if the landlord agrees. However, landlords can still say no for certain reasons.
For tenants with dogs, the new Renters’ Rights Bill provides a clearer path to getting approval for their pets. When requesting to keep a dog, tenants must demonstrate responsible ownership, and landlords are required to consider the request. Importantly, landlords cannot reject the request without good reason—such as concerns about the size of the property or the dog's potential impact on the living conditions.
Tenants may also be asked to purchase pet insurance to cover any damage caused by their dog, adding an extra layer of protection for landlords.
Tenants must seek written permission from their landlord to keep a pet in their rented property.
Landlords must respond to a written request within 28 days and provide a good reason if they refuse consent.
Tenants should check their tenancy agreement to see if pets are allowed.
Tenants are legally responsible for any damage caused by their pets. Landlords can deduct the cost of damage or extra cleaning from a tenant's deposit.
Landlords can add clauses to a tenancy agreement relating to pets, such as how to deal with fouling or how long a pet can be left alone in the property.
Landlords can charge a fee if a tenancy agreement is amended to allow a pet, but only if the amendment is requested by the tenant.
Properties can still be advertised as "no pets" or "no pets considered".
We suggest contacting the landlord via email or letter and keep a record of what's been said.