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Pets in Rental Properties: What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Landlords

Landlord Rental
Posted in   Apr 13 , 2026
Pets in Rental Properties: What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Landlords

One of the most talked-about changes under the Renters right act is the shift in how pets are treated in rental properties.

At Anderson Knight, many landlords are asking:

  • Can I still refuse pets?

  • What if there’s damage?

  • Do I have to say yes?

Here’s what landlords need to understand.

The Big Change: “Reasonable” Refusal

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse that request.

This means:

  • Blanket “no pets” policies will no longer be acceptable.

  • Landlords must consider requests individually.

  • Refusals must be based on legitimate, reasonable grounds.

In practice, this shifts pets from being a landlord preference issue to a decision that must be justified.

What Counts as a Reasonable Refusal?

While guidance continues to evolve, reasonable grounds may include:

  • The property is too small for the type of pet requested

  • Leasehold restrictions (e.g., block management rules prohibit pets)

  • Health and safety concerns

  • The property is unsuitable (e.g., no outdoor space for a large dog)

Simply saying “I don’t like pets” will not be sufficient.

What About Damage?

One of the biggest landlord concerns is property condition.

Important points:

  • The tenancy deposit cap remains (typically 5 weeks’ rent), so landlords cannot simply increase deposits because of pets.

  • The Act allows landlords to require tenants to obtain pet damage insurance.

  • Clear inventory reports are now more important than ever.

Proper documentation and mid-term inspections will become essential.

At Anderson Knight, our advice is practical and risk-based:

1. Assess Requests Case by Case
Not all pets — or tenants — are equal. A well-referenced tenant with one house-trained pet is very different from multiple large animals in a small flat.

2. Protect Yourself Properly
Where appropriate, require:

  • Pet insurance cover

  • Professional cleaning at end of tenancy

  • Clear written consent terms

  • 3. Update Your Tenancy Agreements
    Pet clauses will need to reflect the new legislation and clearly outline expectations.

    4. Stay Proactive, Not Reactive
    Outright refusal without valid grounds could expose landlords to dispute.The Renters’ Rights Act is shifting the balance toward longer-term, stable tenancies. Allowing pets — where reasonable — can:

    • Increase tenant retention

    • Reduce void periods

    • Attract a wider applicant pool

    Handled correctly, pets do not automatically mean higher risk — but they do require structured management.

    If you’d like to review your tenancy agreements or discuss how to approach pet requests safely, we’re happy to advise.

Many Thanks 

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Pets in Rental Properties: What the Renters’ Rights Act Means for Landlords

One of the most talked-about changes under the Renters right act is the shift in how pets are treated in rental properties. At Anderson Knight, many landlords are asking: Can I still refuse pets? What if there’s damage? Do I have to say yes? Here’s what landlords need to understand. The Big Change: “Reasonable” Refusal Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse that request. This means: Blanket “no pets” policies will no longer be acceptable. Landlords must consider requests individually. Refusals must be based on legitimate, reasonable grounds. In practice, this shifts pets from being a landlord preference issue to a decision that must be justified. What Counts as a Reasonable Refusal? While guidance continues to evolve, reasonable grounds may include: The property is too small for the type of pet requested Leasehold restrictions (e.g., block management rules prohibit pets) Health and safety concerns The property is unsuitable (e.g., no outdoor space for a large dog) Simply saying “I don’t like pets” will not be sufficient. What About Damage? One of the biggest landlord concerns is property condition. Important points: The tenancy deposit cap remains (typically 5 weeks’ rent), so landlords cannot simply increase deposits because of pets. The Act allows landlords to require tenants to obtain pet damage insurance. Clear inventory reports are now more important than ever. Proper documentation and mid-term inspections will become essential. At Anderson Knight, our advice is practical and risk-based: 1. Assess Requests Case by Case Not all pets — or tenants — are equal. A well-referenced tenant with one house-trained pet is very different from multiple large animals in a small flat. 2. Protect Yourself Properly Where appropriate, require: Pet insurance cover Professional cleaning at end of tenancy Clear written consent terms 3. Update Your Tenancy Agreements Pet clauses will need to reflect the new legislation and clearly outline expectations. 4. Stay Proactive, Not Reactive Outright refusal without valid grounds could expose landlords to dispute.The Renters’ Rights Act is shifting the balance toward longer-term, stable tenancies. Allowing pets — where reasonable — can: Increase tenant retention Reduce void periods Attract a wider applicant pool Handled correctly, pets do not automatically mean higher risk — but they do require structured management. If you’d like to review your tenancy agreements or discuss how to approach pet requests safely, we’re happy to advise. Many Thanks 

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