Key Points
- New rules came into effect on 1 May 2026 in England
- Tenants can request permission to keep a pet
- Landlords must respond within 28 days
- Refusals must be explained and based on reasonable grounds
- Requests must be considered individually rather than automatically refused
What has changed
Updated guidance linked to the Renters’ Rights Act introduces a formal process for tenants who want to keep pets in rented homes in England.
Tenants must submit a request to their landlord if they wish to keep a pet. Landlords are required to consider the request and provide a written response within 28 days.
If a landlord refuses permission, they must explain their decision. This marks a shift away from previous tenancy agreements that commonly included blanket “no pets” clauses without review.
What the rules require
According to UK Government guidance, landlords must:
- Consider pet requests on a case-by-case basis
- Respond within 28 days
- Provide a reason if refusing permission
Landlords may also request further information about the pet before making a decision.
The guidance states that refusals should be reasonable. While not defined by a fixed list, examples may include:
- The size or suitability of the property
- Restrictions set by a superior landlord or freeholder
- Health or safety considerations
Why this matters
Access to pet-friendly rental housing has been a long-standing issue in the UK.
Housing restrictions have been identified by welfare organisations as a factor contributing to:
- Dogs being given up for rehoming
- Guardians being unable to move or secure housing
- Instability in living arrangements
Requiring landlords to formally consider requests introduces a more consistent and transparent process.
What this means for dog guardians
For those renting with dogs, the change introduces a clearer route to requesting permission.
- Requests now have a defined legal process
- Landlords must engage with the request rather than ignore it
- Decisions must be explained if permission is refused
The rules do not guarantee that a dog will be approved, but they do mean requests must be considered rather than automatically declined.
Wider context
Housing has increasingly been recognised as part of the wider picture of dog welfare in the UK.
The RSPCA and Dogs Trust have both identified access to pet-friendly accommodation as a contributing factor in rehoming and welfare concerns.
The introduction of a formal request process reflects growing recognition of pets as part of long-term household arrangements.
Do tenants have an automatic right to keep a dog?
No. Tenants have the right to request permission, but landlords can still refuse if they have a reasonable justification.
How must a tenant request a pet?
Requests should be made directly to the landlord. Government guidance indicates this should be done formally, typically in writing.
How long does a landlord have to respond?
Landlords must respond within 28 days of receiving the request.
Can a landlord ask for more information about the dog?
Yes. Landlords can request additional details before making a decision.
What counts as a reasonable refusal?
The guidance does not provide a fixed definition, but examples may include property suitability, building restrictions, or safety concerns.
Does this apply across the whole UK?
No. The current guidance applies to England. Different rules may apply in Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Can a tenant challenge a refusal?
Government guidance indicates that tenants may challenge a refusal they believe is unreasonable, although the process will depend on the tenancy and legal route used.
For full details, refer to the official UK Government guidance on pet requests in rental properties: UK Government guidance: Renting out your property – If a tenant wants a pet (updated 2026)
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