Can your landlord refuse your pet request?

What the law says

Section 11 of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 deals with keeping pets in rented homes. It says a tenant can keep a pet if the tenant asks in accordance with the section and the landlord consents. The landlord must not unreasonably refuse consent and must respond within the statutory timescale. Current guidance describes the usual response period as 28 days, with limited extensions where further information or consent from the superior property owner is reasonably needed.

The Act also allows the landlord to require insurance for pet damage or payment of the landlord's reasonable insurance cost where the law permits. That does not give the landlord a free hand to charge arbitrary pet fees. The key legal question is whether the refusal, delay, or condition is reasonable in the circumstances of your home and pet.

Step-by-step: what to do

1. Make the request in writing and describe the pet clearly: species, breed, size, age, and temperament.

2. Explain practical safeguards, such as cleaning, noise control, garden use, microchipping, vaccinations, and who cares for the pet when you are away.

3. Ask the landlord to respond in writing within the statutory period and to give reasons if refusing.

4. If more information is requested, provide it promptly and keep proof of when you sent it.

5. If the landlord refuses, compare the reason with the property facts. Size, lease restrictions, allergies in shared spaces, or animal welfare can matter.

6. Get advice before bringing a court challenge, because pet disputes are fact-specific.

Common mistakes to avoid

Do not move a pet in first and ask afterwards; the statutory route starts with a written request. Do not send a vague message saying only that you want a pet. The landlord needs enough detail to assess reasonableness. Do not ignore genuine building restrictions in flats, especially headlease rules. Do not accept a refusal that gives no reason without asking for the reasons in writing.

• Ask before keeping the pet.
• Give practical details, not just the pet's name.
• Keep all request and response dates.
• Challenge blanket refusals with calm evidence.

Related guidance

• Renters' Rights Act pets guide
  How the statutory pet request process works.
• Renters' Rights Act guide
  Overview of the post-reform tenancy rules in England.
• Rent increases during the tenancy
  What to check if the landlord asks for higher rent after a pet request.
• Access and inspections
  Your rights if the landlord wants to inspect because of a pet.

Common questions

Can your landlord refuse your pet request?

The landlord cannot operate a blanket no-pets rule without considering your request. In England, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 gives tenants a statutory route to ask for permission to keep a pet, and the landlord must not refuse unreasonably. You should make the request in writing with enough detail about the pet, care arrangements, and property suitability. If the landlord refuses, ask for written reasons and consider whether the refusal is reasonable.

Can the landlord keep a blanket no-pets clause?

The landlord must consider a written pet request on its facts and must not refuse unreasonably. A blanket refusal is vulnerable.

How long does the landlord have to reply?

Current guidance describes the usual response period as 28 days, with limited extensions for further information or superior property owner consent.

Can the landlord charge a pet fee?

Arbitrary pet fees are restricted. The landlord can require permitted pet-damage insurance arrangements where the law allows.

What reasons for refusal are reasonable?

Examples include unsuitable property size, animal welfare concerns, serious lease restrictions, or specific evidence of likely damage or nuisance.