Pets in Rental Properties: What it Means for Landlords and Tenants

1. Tenants’ Right to Request a Pet

• Under the new legislation, tenants now have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home.
• Landlords are required to consider such requests fairly and respond in writing. Importantly, consent cannot be unreasonably withheld.

2. Grounds for Refusal

• While blanket bans on pets are no longer permitted, landlords may still refuse a request on reasonable grounds.
• These may include the suitability of the property for the specific animal (e.g., a large dog in a small flat), or restrictions imposed by a superior lease.

3. Timely Decision-Making

• Under the new plans, Landlords must respond to pet requests within 28 days.
• If consent from a superior landlord is required, this must be sought within that period, and the tenant must be informed of the outcome within 7 days of receiving a response

4. Pet Insurance Requirements

To mitigate the risk of property damage, landlords are permitted to require tenants to obtain pet insurance. This provides reassurance that any accidental damage caused by the pet will be covered.

5. Updating Tenancy Agreements

Once permission is granted, landlords should ensure the tenancy agreement is updated to reflect the presence of a pet. This may include clauses relating to pet identification, tenant responsibilities, and expectations regarding cleanliness and maintenance.

For tenants, these changes represent a meaningful step toward making rental properties feel more like permanent homes.

For landlords, the Renters' Rights Bill provides a clear and structured process for managing pet-related requests, helping to safeguard their investment while accommodating responsible pet ownership.

As the legislation continues to be implemented, landlords are encouraged to review their tenancy templates and insurance policies to ensure compliance. Tenants, meanwhile, should be prepared to demonstrate responsible pet ownership and provide any necessary documentation when making a request.