Pets In Rented Homes
Can I Keep a Pet in My Rented Home?
The Renters’ Rights Act gives tenants a stronger right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home.
Previously, many tenancy agreements included blanket bans on pets, meaning tenants had little or no opportunity to ask for permission.
Under the new rules, landlords must now consider pet requests fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse permission.
However, this doesn’t mean every tenant automatically has the right to keep a pet. Landlords may still refuse a request where they have a valid reason for doing so.
How Do I Ask for Permission?
If you’d like to keep a pet, you should make a request to your landlord.
Although there’s no set format, it’s a good idea to include:
- the type of pet
- its breed, size and age (where relevant)
- how many pets you wish to keep
- any training or behavioural information
- how you’ll care for the pet and minimise disruption to neighbours
Providing clear information can help your landlord make an informed decision.
Does My Landlord Have to Respond?
Yes.
Landlords are expected to consider pet requests and respond within the timescales set out in the legislation.
If they refuse your request, the refusal should not be unreasonable and should be based on legitimate circumstances rather than a blanket “no pets” policy.
When Can a Landlord Refuse a Pet Request?
A landlord may be able to refuse permission where there is a genuine and reasonable justification.
Examples might include:
- the property isn’t suitable for the type of animal
- keeping the pet would breach another legal obligation
- superior landlord or lease restrictions prohibit pets
- the pet would present a genuine health or safety concern
- there is strong evidence the pet would cause significant damage or nuisance
Every request should be considered on its own merits.
Simply refusing because “I don’t allow pets” may not be sufficient under the new rules.
Can My Landlord Ask for Pet Insurance?
Yes.
The Renters’ Rights Act allows landlords, in certain circumstances, to require tenants to have suitable pet damage insurance.
Where appropriate insurance isn’t available, landlords may instead be able to require the tenant to reimburse the reasonable cost of insurance that covers pet-related damage, provided this complies with the legislation.
This is intended to give landlords reassurance while making it easier for responsible pet owners to rent a home.
What If I Get a Pet Without Permission?
If your tenancy requires permission to keep a pet, it’s important to ask first.
Keeping a pet without consent could place you in breach of your tenancy agreement and may lead to disputes with your landlord.
Even if you believe your landlord would be acting unreasonably by refusing permission, it’s usually better to follow the correct process rather than introducing a pet without their knowledge.
Common Misunderstandings
“Landlords Can’t Say No to Pets Anymore”
False.
Landlords can still refuse a request where they have a reasonable justification.
“Every Tenant Automatically Has the Right to Own a Pet”
Not necessarily.
Tenants have a stronger right to request permission, but each request is considered individually.
“I Can Bring Home a Pet Without Asking”
No.
If your tenancy requires permission, you should request it before introducing a pet into the property.
“My Landlord Can Refuse Simply Because They Don’t Like Pets”
Not usually.
Landlords should consider each request fairly and shouldn’t rely on blanket bans without a reasonable justification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can My Landlord Still Refuse My Request?
Yes.
However, the refusal should be based on a reasonable justification rather than an automatic policy against pets.
Can I Keep More Than One Pet?
Possibly.
Your landlord should consider the individual request, taking into account the property and the animals involved.
Can My Landlord Charge a Higher Deposit Because I Have a Pet?
No.
The existing tenancy deposit limits still apply.
Instead, landlords may be able to require suitable pet insurance or recover the reasonable cost of obtaining equivalent cover where the legislation allows.
What If My Landlord Doesn’t Respond?
If your landlord fails to deal with your request or you believe they have acted unreasonably, you should seek independent housing advice before taking further action.
Does This Apply to Existing Tenancies?
Many of the new rights apply to existing assured tenants as well as new tenancies, although transitional arrangements may apply in some situations.
Key Takeaways
- Tenants have a stronger legal right to request permission to keep a pet.
- Landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse them.
- Landlords may still refuse where there is a genuine and reasonable justification.
- Tenancy deposit limits haven't changed because of pets.
- In some circumstances, landlords may require suitable pet damage insurance or recover the reasonable cost of equivalent cover.
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