Can a landlord refuse pets?
Many renters in England and Wales want to live with pets — but what happens if your landlord says no? This guide explains whether landlords can legally refuse pets, what the government’s model tenancy agreement recommends, and how upcoming law changes may affect your rights. Whether you're a tenant or a landlord, this guide outlines the facts clearly and thoroughly.
Here’s what you need to know about landlords refusing pets in the UK:
- Landlords can currently refuse pets unless agreed otherwise in writing.
- The government’s model tenancy agreement encourages flexibility but isn’t legally binding.
- The Renters’ Reform Bill proposes stronger rights for tenants wanting to keep pets.
- If passed, landlords must give written reasons for refusal and respond within 28 days.
- Common grounds for refusal include lease restrictions, allergies, property size, or irresponsible ownership.
Are landlords allowed to refuse pets?
Yes — under current tenancy law in England and Wales, landlords can refuse pets if the tenancy agreement contains a no-pets clause. Unless there's written permission or the agreement explicitly allows pets, tenants do not have the right to keep animals in the property.
Some landlords are open to discussion, especially with long-term or responsible tenants, but legally they’re not required to accept pets at this stage.
What does the model tenancy agreement say?
The model tenancy agreement, introduced by the government in 2021, encourages landlords to adopt a more flexible approach to pets. It recommends that:
- Pet requests should be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Blanket bans should be avoided.
- Landlords should respond to requests within 28 days.
- If refusing, landlords should provide a valid reason (e.g. property size, lease restrictions).
However, this agreement is voluntary. Landlords don’t have to use it, and it does not override tenancy law.
Read the model tenancy agreement on GOV.UK
Is the law about to change?
Yes — proposed changes under the Renters’ Reform Bill aim to give tenants more rights when it comes to keeping pets. If passed into law, it would require landlords to:
- Consider all pet requests reasonably.
- Respond to each request within 28 days.
- Provide written reasons for refusal if saying no.
- Only refuse a pet if they have a valid justification (more on that below).
- Allow tenants to keep a pet if there’s no reasonable basis to refuse.
- Request pet insurance or cover for any additional risk, but not exceed the deposit cap under the Tenant Fees Act.
The Bill does not guarantee the right to keep a pet, but it would make blanket bans unenforceable and promote fairer treatment across the rental market.
Valid reasons a landlord can refuse a pet
Once the new rules are in place, landlords will no longer be able to say no without cause. They will need to provide a clear reason for refusing a pet. Common valid grounds include:
Each request must be considered individually — landlords will no longer be able to apply a blanket no-pet rule if the Bill becomes law.
Can tenants challenge a refusal?
Yes, under the proposed reforms, if a landlord refuses a pet without a reasonable explanation, the tenant will be able to challenge the decision through the Private Renters’ Ombudsman. In some cases, it could also be escalated to court.
Until the new law is enacted, however, landlords are still within their rights to refuse pets for any reason.
What if the tenancy agreement already bans pets?
If your agreement states that pets aren’t allowed:
- You must not keep a pet without written permission.
- Doing so can be treated as a breach of contract, which could lead to formal action.
- In some cases, this may justify eviction under Section 8.
Some landlords may still agree to amend the agreement if you explain your situation — especially if the pet is small, well-behaved, and the risk to the property is low.
Once the law changes, existing tenancy clauses will need to reflect the new rules.
Do pet rules apply to all animals?
Not all pets are treated equally when it comes to tenancy agreements. Here's how different types of pets are typically viewed:
Even if the pet is low-impact, you should always check the tenancy agreement and seek written permission where required. Some agreements apply a blanket definition of “pet” to all animals.
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How can a tenant ask to keep a pet?
If pets aren’t currently allowed, here’s how to make a request that’s more likely to succeed:
- Ask in writing, explaining what kind of pet you want to keep.
- Include details such as breed, size, behaviour, and any training or insurance.
- Offer reassurances about cleanliness, noise, and potential damage.
- Offer to take out pet insurance or agree to cover any damage.
Landlords are more likely to say yes if they see you’re a responsible tenant who has thought things through.
Can landlords ask for extra payments for pets?
Yes, within limits.
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot charge additional fees or deposits beyond the cap (typically five weeks’ rent). However, they may:
- Ask the tenant to pay for pet damage insurance.
- Charge slightly higher rent to account for wear and tear risk.
Any costs must be fair, proportionate, and clearly outlined in the tenancy agreement.
Pet clauses in tenancy agreements
Here’s what common clauses mean:
Always check your agreement before bringing a pet into the home.
What happens if a tenant keeps a pet without permission?
If a tenant gets a pet without approval, and the agreement prohibits it:
- The landlord may issue a breach notice.
- The tenant could be asked to remove the pet.
- Continued breach may lead to formal eviction proceedings.
That said, disputes can often be resolved through communication, especially where the pet causes no harm or nuisance.
Recap: Can a landlord refuse pets?
Right now, landlords can refuse pets unless the tenancy agreement says otherwise. But this is likely to change. If the Renters’ Reform Bill becomes law, landlords will need to give a valid reason to refuse, and tenants will have greater rights to request pets.
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