Pet Request Response Generator

Pet Consent Rules Under the RRA 2025

The Renters' Rights Act 2025 introduces a formal right for tenants to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home. Under the new rules, a tenant can submit a written pet request at any point during the tenancy, and the landlord must respond in writing within the applicable period. If you do not respond within this period, the tenant can complain to you or challenge an unreasonable refusal in court. Extensions to the response period are available where you need further information about the pet or need to obtain consent from a superior landlord.

Crucially, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse a pet request. The Act does not define "unreasonable" exhaustively, but guidance suggests that blanket "no pets" policies will no longer be enforceable. Instead, landlords must consider each request on its merits, taking into account the type of pet, the size and suitability of the property, any leasehold restrictions, and the number of animals already at the property.

Pet Damage Insurance

Do not make consent conditional on the tenant buying pet damage insurance or paying for your policy. The Tenant Fees Act restricts required insurance and service contracts. Actual damage can be addressed through the normal deposit or court process, and a relevant existing insurance policy may cover a claim. You cannot recover the same loss twice.

Reasonable Conditions and Refusal

When granting consent, landlords can attach reasonable conditions such as keeping common areas clean, ensuring the pet does not cause a nuisance to neighbours, and maintaining any garden areas. If a tenant breaches these conditions, the landlord may be able to rely on Ground 12 (breach of a tenancy obligation other than rent) to seek possession. This discretionary ground covers situations where a tenant has failed to comply with any term of the tenancy agreement, including pet-related conditions.

Refusals must be based on a specific, justifiable reason. Acceptable reasons may include genuine leasehold restrictions that prohibit pets, the property being unsuitable for the type of pet requested (for example, a large dog in a small studio flat), or the property already housing the maximum practical number of animals. If the tenant believes the refusal is unreasonable, they can complain to the landlord or apply to the court.

Checked 14 September 2026 against GOV.UK pet request guidance and Tenant Fees Act guidance. Consent cannot simply be withdrawn if the landlord changes their mind.

Related Resources

• Get Your Complete Document Pack — includes pet consent templates
• Tenant Pet Request: A Landlord's Guide
• Can a Landlord Refuse Pets Under the RRA?
• Section 8 Ground Selector