The Renters’ Rights Act introduced one of the biggest changes to renting with pets in England.
Tenants can now formally request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse that request. There is just one problem. Nobody has properly defined what unreasonably refuse actually means.
For tenants, this has created the impression that landlords must now accept pets. For landlords, it has created uncertainty about what reasons for refusing a pet are legally acceptable.
The reality is that the Renters’ Rights Act does not create an automatic right to own a pet in a rental property. Instead, it creates a framework where each request must be considered individually.
What is a reasonable pet request? What is an unreasonable refusal by a landlord?
What Is a Reasonable Pet Request?
A reasonable pet request is likely to be one where the pet, property and tenant are a sensible match.
• A house cat in a one-bedroom flat.
• A small dog living close to parks and open space.
• A tenant working from home who can care for the pet.
• A tenant providing a Pet CV, references and evidence of responsible ownership.
• A pet with a good history in previous rental properties.
The stronger the evidence that the pet is suitable for the property, the stronger the tenant’s position becomes.
Can a Landlord Refuse a Pet?
Yes. Despite some media headlines, landlords can still refuse pets. Potentially reasonable grounds may include:
• The property is unsuitable for the type of pet.
• The number of pets requested is excessive for the accommodation.
• The building’s lease prohibits pets.
• There are legitimate welfare concerns.
• The pet could create nuisance or safety issues.
What Could Be Considered an Unreasonable Refusal?
Examples may include:
• Blanket ‘no pets’ policies with no assessment of the individual request.
• Refusing a pet without providing a valid explanation.
• Ignoring evidence provided by the tenant.
• Applying different standards to similar requests.
The Leasehold Exception Many Tenants Miss
One of the biggest misconceptions about the Renters’ Rights Act is that it overrides leasehold restrictions. It does not.
If a superior lease prohibits pets, a landlord may have no legal ability to grant permission. In these cases, refusing the pet request would almost certainly be considered reasonable.
The Real-World Grey Areas
• The property has recently been refurbished.
• Future occupiers may have allergies.
• The dog might bark.
• Previous tenants caused pet damage.
Are these genuine concerns or excuses to avoid accepting pets?
What Should Tenants Do?
Rather than relying on the law alone, tenants should focus on presenting the strongest possible case.
• Create a Pet CV.
• Provide previous landlord references.
• Explain why the property suits the pet.
• Demonstrate responsible ownership.
• Show how any risks will be managed.
Final Thoughts
The phrase ‘unreasonably refuse pets’ sits at the heart of the Renters’ Rights Act. Unfortunately, it is also one of the least defined parts of the legislation.
Until courts begin interpreting the law, there will be no definitive answer to what constitutes a reasonable pet request or an unreasonable refusal.
For now, common sense remains the most important factor. The strongest pet requests are well prepared, realistic and evidence-based. The strongest refusals are supported by genuine concerns rather than blanket objections.
Call to Action
If you’re planning to rent in the UK with a pet, start the right way.
The Rent Ready Service (With Pets) gives you the clarity, strategy, and confidence to compete in today’s market, before you lose time, money, or opportunities.
About the Author – Russell Hunt
Pets Lets Expert Insight
This article was written by Russell Hunt, co-founder of Pets Lets, a specialist service helping tenants secure pet-friendly property to rent in London and across the UK.
With more than 30 years of experience in the London property market, Russell works with tenants, landlords and estate agents to make renting with pets possible in practice, not just in theory. His work focuses on helping pet owners present strong applications, prepare properly for competitive markets, and navigate landlord concerns around pets.
Through Pets Lets, Russell supports UK tenants with pets as well as educates landlords with UK properties on the benefits of dog friendly rentals and cat friendly rentals in London and across the UK.
Russell also runs the community “Relocating to the UK with Pets”, helping thousands of members understand the realities of travelling to the UK with pets.
Learn more about pet-friendly renting advice and services at Pets Lets
For further guidance on renting with pets, visit Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets
