If you are a pet owner or thinking about getting a pet while renting, you have probably asked yourself: can landlords refuse pets?
For years, the answer was almost always yes, and blanket no-pets clauses in tenancy agreements shut millions of renters out of pet ownership entirely. That has now changed. The Renters’ Rights Act 2025, which came into force on 1 May 2026, gives tenants in England the legal right to request a pet, and landlords can no longer simply say no without good reason.
This guide explains exactly what the new rules say, when a landlord can still legitimately refuse a pet, how to make a request, and what to do if you think your landlord’s refusal is unreasonable.
Can Landlords Refuse Pets Under the New Rules?
The short answer is: not without a valid reason. Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, tenants in England with an assured tenancy now have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home. Landlords cannot apply a blanket refusal. They must consider each request individually and, if they decline, must do so in writing and must provide their reasons. You can read the full Act on the UK legislation website.
This is a significant departure from how things worked before. Previously, a standard clause in a tenancy agreement saying no pets was enough to end the conversation. Tenants had no legal recourse and no right to challenge the decision. The new rules change both of those things.
From 1 May 2026, landlords in England cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet. A blanket no-pets clause in a tenancy agreement is no longer automatically enforceable.
What Does Unreasonable Refusal Mean?
The law says that landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request, but it does not define exhaustively what counts as a reasonable or unreasonable refusal. This means the question of whether a refusal is reasonable will depend on the specific facts of each situation.
In general terms, a refusal is likely to be considered reasonable where there is a genuine and proportionate justification connected to the property, the type of pet, or the landlord’s own legal obligations. A refusal is likely to be considered unreasonable where it is based purely on personal preference, a general dislike of animals, or an attempt to maintain a blanket policy that the new rules were specifically designed to prohibit.
If you believe your landlord has refused your request unreasonably, you have the right to challenge that decision in court. This is not a process that requires a solicitor: you can raise the issue yourself, and free legal advice is available to help you understand whether your case has merit.
When Can a Landlord Legitimately Refuse a Pet?
While the new rules prevent landlords from refusing all pet requests outright, there are circumstances where a refusal may be legitimate. Understanding these helps you assess whether the reason your landlord has given holds legal water.
The Terms of the Landlord’s Own Lease
If your landlord owns a leasehold flat rather than a freehold property, they may themselves be bound by the terms of their own lease with the freeholder. Many leasehold leases contain restrictions on keeping pets that the leaseholder landlord cannot override. In this situation, the landlord’s refusal may be genuinely outside their control, as agreeing to your request could put them in breach of their own lease.
If your landlord cites this as the reason, it is reasonable to ask them to provide evidence of the relevant restriction in their own lease. A landlord who genuinely cannot grant permission due to their lease terms is in a different position to one who simply does not want pets in their property.
Insurance Restrictions
Some landlord insurance policies contain conditions relating to pets. If allowing a pet would invalidate the landlord’s insurance or significantly increase their premium, this may constitute reasonable grounds for refusal. Again, a landlord relying on this reason should be in a position to explain the relevant insurance condition if asked.
The Nature of the Property
In some cases, the nature of the property itself may make a particular pet genuinely unsuitable. A small studio flat may not be an appropriate environment for a large dog. A property with no outdoor space may not be suitable for certain animals. Where a refusal is based on a genuine mismatch between the property and the specific pet requested, rather than a blanket aversion to all animals, it is more likely to be considered reasonable.
The Type of Pet
Not all pets are equal in the eyes of the law, or in the practical realities of renting. A request to keep a goldfish in a tank is unlikely to raise the same concerns as a request to keep a large breed of dog with a reputation for damaging property or disturbing neighbours. Landlords are entitled to take the specific type and breed of animal into account when assessing a request, and a refusal based on the particular characteristics of the pet requested may carry more weight than a blanket refusal.
Can Landlords Refuse Pets: What Are the Rules on Timing?
The Renters’ Rights Act does not set out a specific timeframe within which a landlord must respond to a pet request, but landlords are expected to consider requests within a reasonable period. If your landlord is not responding to a request you have made, or is unreasonably delaying their response, you can seek advice from Citizens Advice or Shelter England about how to proceed.
If your landlord refuses your request, they must do so in writing and must give their reasons. A verbal refusal, or a refusal without reasons, does not comply with the requirements of the new rules. If your landlord refuses without providing written reasons, you should write to them formally requesting a written explanation before considering any further steps.
How to Make a Pet Request
If you want to keep a pet in your rented home, the process is straightforward. Put your request in writing, either by letter or email, so that you have a clear record. Your request should include:
The type and breed of animal you wish to keep, along with any relevant details about the pet such as its size, age, and whether it will be kept primarily indoors or outdoors. You might also want to include a brief explanation of how you will ensure the pet does not cause damage to the property or nuisance to neighbours. While you are not legally required to provide this information, doing so demonstrates responsibility and may make it harder for your landlord to refuse on vague grounds.
Keep a copy of your request and note the date it was sent. If your landlord does not respond within a reasonable time, follow up in writing. If they refuse, make sure the refusal is in writing with reasons before deciding whether to challenge it.
Always make your pet request in writing and keep a copy. A written record is essential if you later need to challenge a refusal or demonstrate that you followed the correct process.
What If You Already Have a Pet?
If you already have a pet and moved into your property before the new rules came into force, your position depends on what your tenancy agreement says and what arrangements, if any, you have with your landlord.
If you have a pet that your landlord has always been aware of and has not objected to, it is unlikely that the landlord can suddenly use this as grounds for eviction, particularly given the higher bar for possession that now exists under the Renters’ Rights Act. However, if your tenancy agreement explicitly prohibits pets and your landlord has never consented to you keeping one, you may technically be in breach of your tenancy. Seeking advice before any confrontation with your landlord on this issue is sensible.
If you want to add a new pet to your household, the process is the same regardless of whether you already have animals: put your request in writing and give your landlord the opportunity to respond properly under the new rules.
Can a Landlord Evict You for Keeping a Pet Without Permission?
Under the old system, keeping a pet in breach of a no-pets clause could give rise to a Ground 12 possession claim: breach of a term of the tenancy agreement. In theory, this ground still exists under the new framework. However, there are a few important points to bear in mind.
Ground 12 is a discretionary ground, meaning the court has the power to refuse possession even if the breach is proven, if it decides eviction would not be reasonable in the circumstances. A court is unlikely to view eviction as a proportionate response to keeping a well-behaved pet where no actual damage or nuisance has been caused, particularly if the tenant made a reasonable request that was refused on dubious grounds.
Additionally, with Section 21 no-fault eviction now abolished, a landlord cannot use the threat of a no-fault notice to pressure a tenant into removing a pet. Any eviction attempt must go through the court process, where the tenant has the right to defend themselves.
Can Landlords Refuse Pets: Key Facts at a Glance
- From 1 May 2026, landlords in England cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet
- Blanket no-pets clauses in tenancy agreements are no longer automatically enforceable
- Landlords must consider each pet request individually and, if refusing, must do so in writing with reasons
- Reasonable grounds for refusal may include leasehold restrictions, insurance conditions, or the nature of the property
- Tenants can challenge an unreasonable refusal in court
- Always make your pet request in writing and keep a copy
- Keeping a pet without permission may still be a breach of your tenancy agreement, but eviction for this alone is unlikely to be considered proportionate by a court
Where to Get Help
If your landlord has refused a pet request and you believe the refusal is unreasonable, or if you need advice about your rights under the new rules, the following free resources can help:
- GOV.UK private renting guidance: https://www.gov.uk/private-renting
- Shelter England (free housing advice): https://england.shelter.org.uk
- Citizens Advice (free legal and housing guidance): https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
Final Thoughts
Can landlords refuse pets? Under the old rules, yes, almost always and without any explanation required. Under the new rules introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, the answer is far more nuanced. Landlords can still refuse pet requests, but only where there is a genuine and proportionate reason to do so. A blanket no is no longer enough.
For the millions of renters in England who have been unable to keep a pet simply because of a standard clause in a tenancy agreement, this is a meaningful change. If you want to keep a pet, know your rights, make your request in writing, and do not accept an unreasonable refusal without exploring your options.
Not sure if your landlord’s refusal is reasonable?
Contend is an AI-powered legal platform built to help renters in England understand their rights in plain English, with no jargon and no expensive solicitor fees. Whether you want to know if your landlord can refuse your pet request, understand the new rules under the Renters’ Rights Act, or get guidance on challenging an unreasonable decision, Contend gives you clear, reliable answers in minutes.
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