How it Works
Landlord Refused Your Pet Request? What the Law Now Says
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 has fundamentally changed pet rights for renters. Your landlord can no longer simply say no. They must consider your formal request, respond within 28 days, and provide a valid specific reason for any refusal.
Your Rights
What Is Your Landlord Legally Required to Do With Your Refusing Pets?
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Right to Request
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28-Day Response Deadline
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Specific Reason Required
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No Blanket Bans
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Insurance Only
⚖️
Challenge Rights
Common Situations
Situations Renters Face — And What to Do
These are the most common repair scenarios our members experience. Find your situation and follow the recommended steps.
Tenancy agreement says no pets
Your tenancy agreement contains a clause stating no pets are permitted. You want to get a cat or small dog and the landlord is pointing to this clause as their reason for refusal.
→ A blanket no-pets clause is no longer enforceable as an automatic refusal under the Renters' Rights Act 2025. Put your request in writing formally. Your landlord must consider it individually.
Landlord said no verbally without giving a reason
ou asked your landlord about getting a pet, they said no, and that was the end of the conversation. No reason was given and nothing was put in writing.
→ Put your request in writing formally. Under the Act your landlord must respond within 28 days and provide a valid specific reason for any refusal. A verbal no without reason is not legally sufficient.
Landlord has not responded within 28 days
You submitted a written pet request and your landlord has not responded within the required 28-day period despite follow-up messages.
→ Send a follow-up letter noting the 28-day deadline has passed. Their failure to respond can be treated as an unreasonable refusal which you can challenge through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.
Landlord approved but is demanding an extra deposit
Your landlord agreed to the pet but is demanding an additional cash deposit of several hundred pounds on top of your existing deposit to cover potential pet damage.
→ Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, additional cash deposits above the legal cap are not permitted. Your landlord can only require pet damage insurance. Challenge the additional deposit demand in writing.
Landlord claims the freeholder refuses
Your landlord says the building freeholder does not allow pets and they therefore cannot give permission. This is presented as a fixed position without any evidence.
→ Ask for this in writing and request confirmation that the freeholder was formally asked and refused. Your landlord must actively seek freeholder consent — they cannot passively use it as an excuse.
Landlord approved a pet and is now using it as a complaint
You have a pet with your landlord’s permission but they are now claiming the pet has caused damage and are using this as a ground for formal action or eviction.
→ Request an itemised evidence of the alleged damage with supporting photographs and costs. Without clear evidence of damage beyond fair wear and tear this is not a valid ground for action.
What Changed Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025?
Before the Act
Landlords could include blanket no-pets clauses in tenancy agreements and enforce them absolutely. Most tenants had no recourse and either kept pets secretly or went without.
✓ No Longer Applies
After the Act
From 1 May 2026
Landlords must consider pet requests individually. They must respond within 28 days. They must give a specific valid reason to refuse. Blanket no-pets clauses cannot be used as a flat refusal.
✓ In Force
What They Can Require
Pet Damage Insurance Your landlord can require you to take out a pet damage insurance policy as a condition of approval. This is reasonable and protects both parties. They cannot demand an extra cash deposit.
✓ Reasonable Condition
Freeholder Situations
Leasehold Properties In leasehold buildings, your landlord may need to obtain consent from the superior landlord or freeholder. They must actively seek this consent — they cannot use it as a passive excuse to refuse.
⚠️ Check Your Situation
How We Help
Support for Tenants Whose Landlord Refused a Pet Request
Renters Rights Act Services gives you the request letters and appeal support to challenge an unreasonable pet refusal — without paying solicitor fees. If your landlord is asking for extra money to allow a pet, check our guidance on [unlawful deposit deductions].
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Pet Permission Request Letter
Members Only
Pets
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Pet Rights Under the New Act
Members Only
Pets
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Situation Review
Members Only
Review
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Call Support
Members Only
Support
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my landlord still refuse pets
Does the no-pets clause in my agreement still apply?
Can my landlord charge me extra for having a pet?
What if my landlord does not respond to my request?
What animals does this apply to?
Can I be evicted for getting a pet without permission?
Getting a pet without permission could be a breach of your tenancy agreement. Always make a formal written request first and keep a record of any permission given before bringing a pet home.
What if my landlord approved the pet then later objects?
What counts as a valid reason for refusing a pet?
Your landlord cannot say no without a valid reason.
Join today and get instant access to the Pet Permission Letter, Pet Refusal Challenge Letter, and Situation Review service.