My Tenant Wants a Pet – Can I Legally Refuse?

It’s well known that we love our pets here in the UK, with over 60% of households owning at least one pet. However, pet-friendly rental properties have always been few and far between, with many landlords saying no to pets because of the potential damage they can cause.

However, recent changes to the law are forcing landlords to rethink their approach. The Renters’ Rights Act has now given tenants the right to request a pet and banned landlords from saying no without a valid reason.

Here at Hibberts, our team of landlord solicitors in Cheshire has helped landlords navigate tenancy law and resolve disputes for generations. In this article, we’ll explain the new landlord pet rules 2026 and answer the question ‘Can landlords refuse pets?’

How has the Renters’ Rights Act changed pet ownership rules?

A reform introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May 2026 has given tenants the right to formally request permission to keep a pet and banned landlords from saying no without a valid reason for doing so.

The change in law does not mean that landlords must accept every request for pet ownership, but it does mean that they should consider each request on a case-by-case basis and can no longer operate a blanket ban.

If a tenant believes that the landlord’s reason for refusing their request is unreasonable, then they also have the right to make a complaint and challenge the decision with the courts.

What are valid reasons for landlords to refuse pets?

So, can landlords say no to pets?

In some circumstances, a landlord may genuinely believe that their property is not a suitable home for the pet the tenant wants to keep.

While there is no official guidance available on what counts as a ‘valid’ reason to refuse pet ownership, some examples could include:

• The property is unsuitable for the animal in question.
• You have concerns about the health or safety of the animal.
• Another tenant living at the property has a pet allergy.
• The pet being requested is illegal to own in the UK.

Landlords can no longer say no to pets simply because they dislike animals or have concerns about potential property damage.

What is the new legal process tenants must follow to request pet ownership?

If a tenant wants to keep a pet, they must now follow a formal written legal process to request pet ownership. Here’s a quick guide to how it works.

Step 1: The tenant writes to the landlord to ask permission to keep a pet. The request should include details about the type of pet they want to keep, including the animal’s breed.

Step 2: The landlord must then respond to the request in writing within 28 days. They can either grant permission, give a valid reason for saying no, or request further information.

Step 3: If the tenant disagrees with their decision, they can try to negotiate a different outcome.

Step 4: If the landlord and tenant cannot come to an amicable agreement, the tenant has the right to challenge the landlord’s refusal with the courts.

How can landlords protect themselves while allowing pets?

From scratched doors to stained carpets and noise complaints from neighbours, there’s always a chance that your tenant’s furry best friend could end up causing more damage than you anticipated. However, taking the following steps can help to minimise risk while complying with the new rules.

• Review and update tenancy agreements: One of the most important things you can do is update your tenancy agreement to reflect the new rules and set clear expectations. Creating a pet-friendly tenancy agreement that clearly outlines the tenant’s responsibilities regarding pet ownership can help to reduce the likelihood of disputes arising later down the line.
• Request more information about the pet: Always make sure you’re fully informed about what animal it is that your tenant wants to keep. Before granting permission, ask questions about the animal’s breed, whether it’s trained, and whether it will be left alone in the house to help assess its suitability.
• Request the full allowable deposit: This can provide greater financial protection if a tenant’s pet causes damage to your property.
• Carry out regular property inspections: Routine inspections can help you spot any problems or damage early on, before they become more serious.

Seek advice from a specialist landlord solicitor

Whether you need advice because a tenant has adopted a pet without permission, need support recovering the cost of pet-related damage, or need help updating your tenancy agreement or drafting a landlord pet policy, our landlord and residential lettings solicitors in Cheshire and Shropshire are here to help.

Contact Hibberts Solicitors on 01270 624 225 or email enquiries@hibberts.com for straightforward legal advice on how to handle problems or minimise risk when renting to tenants with pets.