One of the biggest concerns landlords have about the Renters' Rights Act 2025 is pets. Many landlords have operated a strict no-pets policy for years and are worried they will be forced to allow animals into their properties with no say in the matter. The reality is more balanced than the headlines suggest. You can still refuse a pet request — but only if you have reasonable grounds.
The Starting Point: No More Blanket Bans
The first thing to understand is that blanket "no pets" policies are effectively dead under the RRA. You cannot refuse every pet request as a matter of policy. Each request must be considered individually, on its own merits, taking into account the specific animal, the specific property, and the specific circumstances. If you refuse, you must give your reasons in writing within 28 days. The 28-day period can be extended where you reasonably need more information about the pet or where you need to seek consent from a superior landlord, such as a freeholder. This is a fundamental shift from the old approach where many landlords simply stated "no pets" in the tenancy agreement and that was the end of it.
Reasonable Grounds for Refusal
The Act does not provide a definitive list of reasonable grounds, but the following are widely expected to be accepted:
- The property is unsuitable for the specific animal — a large dog in a one-bedroom flat with no garden, for example, or an animal that requires outdoor space in a property that has none
- The lease, freehold, or superior tenancy contains a binding restriction on keeping animals that you are legally obliged to comply with. Many leasehold flats have such clauses, and they take precedence
- The property already has a significant number of pets and adding more would be impractical or create welfare or hygiene concerns
- The type of animal poses a genuine risk — certain exotic animals, livestock, or animals that could cause structural damage
- There is evidence that this specific tenant has previously caused pet-related damage or breached pet conditions at another property
The key word is "reasonable." Your refusal must be proportionate, evidence-based, and specific to the situation.
What Will Be Considered Unreasonable
Certain types of refusal are almost certainly going to be found unreasonable if challenged:
- Refusing all pet requests as a matter of policy, regardless of the animal or the property
- Refusing because you personally do not like animals
- Refusing based on stereotypes about a breed rather than the specific animal and circumstances
- Refusing without providing any written reasons
- Refusing a well-behaved cat in a three-bedroom house with a garden, simply because you would prefer not to have animals in the property
If a tenant challenges your refusal and it is found to be unreasonable, you could face consequences. The tenant can refer the matter to the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman or take the case to court, which may determine that consent should have been given and effectively override your decision.
What If the Tenant Breaches Pet Conditions?
If you grant consent for a pet with specific conditions — such as maintaining the garden, keeping the animal under control, or taking out pet damage insurance — and the tenant breaches those conditions, you have recourse. A breach of pet consent conditions is a breach of the tenancy terms, and you can seek possession under Ground 12 (breach of a tenancy obligation other than rent). Ground 12 is a discretionary ground, meaning the court will consider whether it is reasonable to grant possession, but it gives you meaningful recourse if a tenant disregards the conditions you have set. Ensure your conditions are clearly documented in writing.
Practical Steps for Landlords
Here is how to approach pet requests sensibly:
- Assess each request individually rather than applying a blanket rule
- Consider the specific animal, the property, and any restrictions in your lease or freehold
- If you refuse, put your reasons in writing clearly and specifically
- If you grant consent, attach reasonable conditions and require pet damage insurance
- Keep records of all pet requests, your responses, and the reasons for your decisions
- Review your tenancy agreement to replace any outdated blanket ban with a proper pet consent clause
Remember: responding well to a pet request is not just a legal obligation. Tenants with pets tend to stay longer, which reduces void periods and turnover costs. A well-managed pet policy can actually benefit your bottom line.
Take Action
Make sure your tenancy agreement handles pets correctly under the new law. Generate your RRA-compliant document pack to get a tenancy agreement with proper pet consent provisions. For a quick assessment of your overall compliance, try our free RRA Compliance Checker, or read our guide on Section 8 Grounds for Possession.