Do I have to say yes to a pet request?

Too big? Too slobbery? Too smelly? Too furry? We’re talking about pets, of course, and the valid reasons why landlords can refuse a tenant’s request to keep a domestic animal in a rented property from 1st May 2026.

Landlords must legally consider a request to keep a pet. 

The date is important as it’s when the bulk of the Renters’ Rights Act takes effect. There will be a new law specifically for instances of pets in lets. A tenant’s right to keep pets in a property they rent will strengthen. By law, a tenant will be able to make a written request to keep a pet. By law, a landlord will not be able to unreasonably refuse such a request.

How tenants in England make the request and how their landlords handle it will be strictly prescribed, as detailed by the Government here. We can explain the process to both tenants and landlords in detail but there is one question we are being asked repeatedly by landlords: do I have to say yes to a pet request?

Downsides to dogs and cats

As the saying goes, we are a nation of animal lovers but maybe not so landlords. Whether lawfully kept or unlawfully moved in, some pets will damage a rental property to the extent it costs the landlord money to put right. Fleas, stains, scratches and odours? Some landlords would rather their properties were only inhabited by humans (although people can inflict far worse damage than pets!).

Can I say ‘no’ to a tenant’s pet request?

It’s all change on 1st May 2026 when landlords will not be able to unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet. The Government has, however, acknowledged that not every buy-to-let is suitable for domestic animals. 

It says the following may be reasonable grounds to refuse a pet request:

• Another tenant has an allergy

• The property is too small for a large pet or several pets

• The pet is illegal to own

• If you’re a leaseholder, and your freeholder does not allow pets

The Government has also outlined the reasons a landlord usually can’t use to refuse a pet request:

• Doesn’t like pets   

• Has had issues with tenants who had pets in the past  

• Has had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property  

• Has general concerns about potential damage in the future  

• Thinks a pet might affect future rentals  

• Knows the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog 

The reasons to refuse a pet request are not set in stone as the Government has used the words ‘may’ and ‘usually’. This tells us there could be exceptions to its list and stressed, each pet request should be treated on a case-by-case basis.

Courts will need to mediate when it comes to cats and dogs

From 1st May 2026, English tenants will also gain the right to challenge a landlord’s pet refusal in court. It’s only when a number of cases have been heard that we’ll know the nuances behind reasonable and unreasonable grounds to refuse a pet request. 

Will a landlord be able to refuse a tenant the right to keep an uncaged parrot? How about the dog that’s never had any training? We’ll also be monitoring the number of tenants who have been refused the right to keep a pet and actually take their landlord to court over the matter. 

Around the UK

In Scotland, The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 contains a pets in lets law that almost mirrors that of England’s. It is due to be implemented in 2026.

Wales, however, is lagging behind on the matter. There is ongoing lobbying to give Welsh tenants the same pet rights as those in Scotland and England. Currently, there is no law that gives Welsh tenants the right to request to keep a pet. Instead, it is something that can be permitted, at the landlord’s discretion, via an additional clause in the tenancy agreement.

If you would like guidance on marketing a property that’s actively aimed at pet owners, or have received a request from a tenant to keep a pet, please get in touch.