For decades, the standard approach to pets in tenancy agreements was simple: include a clause that said "no pets" and move on. Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, that approach is no longer viable. Blanket pet prohibition clauses are effectively unenforceable from 1 May 2026, and landlords who rely on them will find themselves without the protection they think they have. The good news is that a well-drafted pet clause can actually give you better protection than the old blanket ban ever did.
Why "No Pets" Clauses No Longer Work
The RRA gives tenants a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. This right overrides any blanket prohibition in the tenancy agreement. Even if your agreement says "no pets allowed under any circumstances," the tenant can still make a formal pet request, and you must consider it and respond within 28 days. If you fail to respond, or if your refusal is found to be unreasonable, the tenant can complain to you or challenge an unreasonable refusal in court — effectively overriding the clause in your agreement.
A blanket ban is not just ineffective — it is misleading. It gives you a false sense of security and may give the tenant the impression they cannot request a pet when they have a legal right to do so. Replace it with something that reflects the law as it stands.
What Your Pet Clause Should Include
A modern, RRA-compliant pet clause should cover the following areas:
The Consent Process
Your agreement should state that the tenant has the right to request permission to keep a pet in writing, and that you will respond in writing within 28 days (noting that extensions apply where you need additional information about the pet or need to obtain consent from a superior landlord). It should make clear that consent will not be unreasonably refused, but that refusal may be given on reasonable grounds with written reasons. This reflects the statutory position and sets expectations for both parties.
Conditions of Consent
The clause should explain that if consent is granted, it may be subject to reasonable conditions. These conditions might include:
- A limit on the type and number of animals permitted
- A requirement to keep the pet under control and supervised at all times within the property
- A requirement to clean up after the pet in communal areas and gardens
- A prohibition on keeping the animal in a way that causes nuisance or annoyance to neighbours
- A requirement to maintain the garden and outdoor areas to a reasonable standard if the pet has access to them
- A requirement to notify you if the pet causes damage, so it can be addressed promptly
Insurance and Prohibited Payments
The clause must not require the tenant to buy pet damage insurance, reimburse your insurance premium, or enter a professional cleaning contract. Do not impose prohibited fees as a condition of keeping a pet.
Responsibilities and Maintenance
Include clear obligations on the tenant to keep the property clean and free from pet odours, to prevent the pet from causing damage beyond normal wear and tear, and to maintain any garden or outdoor space that the pet uses. These obligations give you a clear basis for action if problems arise.
Consequences of Breach
Your clause should reference the consequences of breaching pet conditions. A breach of conditions attached to pet consent is a breach of the tenancy terms, and Ground 12 of the Housing Act 1988 allows you to seek possession of the property for breach of any tenancy obligation other than rent. While this is a discretionary ground — meaning the court will consider all the circumstances before granting possession — it gives you a meaningful route to enforcement. The clause should make clear that breaching pet conditions is taken seriously and may ultimately result in possession proceedings.
What About Existing Tenancies?
If you have existing tenants with old-style agreements containing blanket "no pets" clauses, those clauses will be overridden by the RRA from 1 May 2026. You do not need to formally amend the clause for the law to take effect — the statutory right to request a pet applies regardless. However, it is much better practice to update the agreement so it reflects the actual legal position and both parties understand the process.
Take Action
Get a tenancy agreement with a properly drafted pet clause that reflects the Renters' Rights Act. Generate your complete document pack for a periodic tenancy agreement template and 13 other essential documents. You can also read our guide on whether you need a new tenancy agreement for the RRA, learn about handling tenant pet requests, or use the free RRA Compliance Checker to see where you stand. For more on tenancy agreement essentials, see our tenancy agreements guide.