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 escalate to the Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman or apply to the county court, which may order you to grant consent. 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

When granting consent, the landlord can require the tenant to obtain pet damage insurance to cover any damage caused by the animal. This is separate from the tenancy deposit and provides an additional layer of protection. The insurance must be reasonable in cost and scope. The landlord can make consent conditional on the tenant maintaining this insurance for the duration of the pet's stay.

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 Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman or apply to the county court, which may order the landlord to grant consent.

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