If a tenant wants a pet — Rules from 1 May 2026

From 1 May 2026, tenants in England can ask in writing to keep a pet and landlords must deal with that request under the new statutory process. The important deadline is now 28 days, not 42.

What the rule is

If a tenant wants to keep a pet, they must ask you in writing and describe the pet. You cannot refuse without a fair reason.

GOV.UK says the tenant’s request could include:

• what type of animal it is
• how big it is
• how much room it will need

If a tenant keeps a pet without permission, they may still be breaching the tenancy agreement. But once a valid request is made, you need to follow the new process properly.

When it applies

These rules apply to private rented tenancies in England from 1 May 2026 under the new assured periodic tenancy regime.

What landlords must do

Respond within 28 days

Once the tenant has asked for a pet, you have 28 days to respond in writing.

You can:

• agree, or
• refuse with a fair reason

Ask for more information if needed

If you need more detail about the pet, you can ask the tenant for more information within the original 28-day period.

Once the tenant replies, you have either:

• the remainder of the original 28 days, or
• an extra 7 days

whichever is later.

Use fair, property-specific reasons if refusing

GOV.UK gives examples of refusals that may be reasonable, including:

• another tenant has an allergy
• the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
• the pet is illegal to own
• you are a leaseholder and the freeholder does not allow pets

GOV.UK also says it would usually be unreasonable to refuse because:

• you do not like pets
• you had problems with pets in the past
• you have general concerns about possible future damage
• you think a pet might affect future rentals

Put the decision in writing

If you refuse, explain why in writing. If you agree, keep a written record of what was agreed and which pet the consent covers.

What evidence to keep

• The tenant’s written request and the date you received it
• Any follow-up request for more information
• The tenant’s reply to that follow-up
• Your written decision and the date sent
• Any lease or freeholder clause you relied on when refusing
• Updated tenancy records showing what pet was approved, if consent was given

Common mistakes

• Using the old 42-day deadline — the current GOV.UK guidance says 28 days
• Refusing with generic wording — broad statements about pets are not enough
• Ignoring the request — silence creates avoidable risk and invites a challenge
• Forgetting leasehold restrictions until late — check your lease early if you need freeholder consent

FAQ

Can I refuse because my freeholder does not allow pets?
Yes. GOV.UK lists this as an example of a fair reason.

What if I need more information before deciding?
Ask for it within the original 28-day window. After the tenant replies, you get the remainder of the 28 days or an extra 7 days, whichever is later.

Can I rely on a blanket no-pets clause?
No. You still need to consider the individual request and give a fair reason if you refuse.

What can the tenant do if they think I refused unfairly?
GOV.UK says the tenant can complain to you or apply to the court to start court proceedings against you.