Renters’ Rights Act: new rules on renting with a pet

Many of the pets we see come through our doors have sadly had to be given up due to circumstances outside of their, and their owners’, control. Losing the security of a pet-friendly home is common.

From 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will give private rental tenants additional rights in England. This is something we have long campaigned for, and we hope it will mean more pets stay with their loving owners.

What are statutory rights?

Statutory rights are your minimum guaranteed legal entitlements passed by parliament. These rights protect you from injustice and discrimination across all areas, from civil rights, employment, housing to consumer protection. They cannot be overruled by a contract. 

What’s changing?

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces a wide range of changes including giving private rental tenants:

• strengthened rights to request a pet in the property, which the landlord must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse
• the right to challenge a refusal
• the right to greater transparency if landlords refuse tenants the right to a pet

Pets can no longer be refused from properties without good reason, and landlords cannot legally enforce a no pets ban in their tenancy agreements.

What if I’m not yet a tenant?

The rules won't apply to someone who is not yet a tenant. If you’re seeking rented accommodation, and have put a deposit down, you can still make a request to keep a pet, but the rules about how the landlord must respond won't apply.

Unfortunately, this may still make finding a new home with an existing pet challenging. Some property websites have a pet-friendly filter that can help with your search. Or it may be worth speaking to letting agents directly so they can advise you. Lets with Pets also offers more advice and helpful tips for finding pet friendly rentals.

What happens if I’m a current tenant?

Under existing rules, a landlord can refuse permission for any reason. From 1 May 2026 landlords should not unreasonably refuse permission.

What is considered an unreasonable refusal?

Unreasonable refusal for private rented tenants includes:

• your landlord does not like pets
• they have had issues with tenants who had pets in the past
• they have had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property
• they have general concerns about potential damage in the future
• they think a pet might affect future rentals

What is considered a reasonable refusal?

Reasonable refusal for private rented tenants includes:

• another tenant has an allergy
• the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
• the pet is illegal to own
• if you’re a leaseholder, and your freeholder does not allow pets
• your pet is a banned breed

What if I’m not a private rented tenant?

The new rules are specific to existing tenants in private rented accommodation. Those in other types of tenancy housing, such as social housing, are not covered. But some of the tips and advice which apply to private tenants might also be helpful in finding pet-friendly houses and flats.

How do I request a pet as a private tenant?

1. You will need to make a request in writing and include a description of your pet. It may help to demonstrate your responsible pet ownership and the research you have undertaken to minimise any impact on their property.
2. Your landlord will then have 28 days to respond to the request in writing. If they approve a pet request, they cannot change their mind later.
3. Landlords can ask for extra information which can extend the process by up to seven days. For example, if you provide extra information on day 26, they will have seven days to review this new information from day 26.
4. Your landlord will either accept or reject your request
5. If your landlord refuses, you may be able to speak to your landlord about the decision and negotiate

If this process is unsuccessful, you may wish to challenge this decision via a legal route. However, this is likely to be an expensive process and won’t suit everyone.

A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, due to be introduced from late 2026, may be able to support tenants in the future, but more information is needed on how this will work.

If you would like to get another pet later down the line, you’ll have to make a new request.

Do the new rules apply to assistance dogs?

Assistance dogs are already legally recognised in the Equality Act 2010 and landlords are required to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate those with assistance dogs. The new rules on the Renters’ Rights Act therefore will not apply or affect those with assistance dogs.

Generally, the Equality Act means that landlords cannot refuse a tenant with an assistance dog. But they may ask for further information. If you’re tenant who needs an assistance dog, you should seek advice if your landlord refuses permission as they will be in breach of the Equality Act. Organisations such as Assistance Dogs UK has specific advice on renting with an assistance dog.