From 1 May 2026, tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home. Landlords must consider the request and cannot unreasonably refuse. Landlords may require tenants to take out pet damage insurance to cover any potential damage.
The right to request a pet is part of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 reforms. Landlords must respond to requests within a reasonable timeframe.
Refusal must be justified on reasonable grounds. Landlords can require the tenant to take out pet damage insurance.
Action required
Prepare a process for handling pet requests. You can require pet damage insurance as a condition of consent. Blanket no-pet clauses in tenancy agreements are no longer enforceable.
Effective
1 May 2026
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