Your landlord can't just say no to a pet any more.
Since 1 May 2026 you have the right to ask — in writing — and your landlord needs a good reason to refuse, in writing, within 28 days. Generate the letter below and we'll give you their deadline too.
The Act requires a description. Type, breed, age — and anything that helps your case: neutered, microchipped, house-trained, calm temperament, previous references from a landlord.
We'll work out the date their 28-day response window closes.
Dear [Landlord or agent name], Re: Request to keep a pet at [Property address] I am the tenant of the property above. I am writing to request your consent to keep a pet at the property, as I am entitled to do under the Renters' Rights Act 2024. Description of the pet: [Description of the pet — type, breed, age, temperament] I am a responsible owner and will continue to keep the property clean and well maintained. I am of course happy to discuss any reasonable conditions, and to provide any further information you need to consider this request. As you may know, the Act requires a written response to this request within 28 days, and consent may not be unreasonably refused. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, [Your name] [Date]
Send it in writing — email is fine — so the 28-day clock and your evidence trail both start. Keep a copy.
Information only — not legal advice. Market estimates are indicative. For housing advice contact Shelter or Citizens Advice.
How the right to request works
- You ask in writing, with a description of the pet. That triggers the statutory process — a conversation doesn't.
- The landlord has 28 days to consent (possibly with reasonable conditions) or refuse with reasons, in writing. Asking you for more information buys them 7 extra days; waiting on a freeholder's consent gives them 7 days from that decision.
- Refusal must be reasonable. A superior landlord's genuine prohibition is the clearest good reason. Blanket “no pets” policies, taste, and past bad experiences with other tenants are not.
- No pet surcharges. The insurance requirement was dropped from the final Act, and the Tenant Fees Act already bans pet deposits and pet fees on top of the capped deposit.
Make the request easy to grant
The tenants who get a yes tend to make the landlord's decision trivial: a specific description, evidence of responsibility (neutered, microchipped, vaccinated, house-trained), and a reference from a previous landlord if you have one. Offer to discuss conditions — keeping carpets professionally cleaned at the end of the tenancy is the kind of condition that survives, compulsory insurance is not. If your landlord responds by proposing a rent increase instead, that has its own rules — check them and run the figure against the local market before agreeing anything.
Common questions
Can my landlord refuse to let me have a pet?
Only with a good reason. Since 1 May 2026, tenants in England have the right to request a pet in writing, and the landlord must not unreasonably refuse. Refusals are likely reasonable where a superior landlord (e.g. the freeholder of a flat) forbids pets or withholds consent, or for genuine practical reasons — government guidance gives examples like the property being clearly too small or another occupant's allergies. 'I don't like pets' or 'we had a bad tenant once' is not a reasonable refusal.
How long does my landlord have to respond to a pet request?
28 days, in writing. If they ask you for more information about the pet within that window, they get 7 extra days from your reply. If they need a superior landlord's consent, they have 7 days from receiving that decision. Ignoring the request past the deadline counts as unreasonable delay.
Can my landlord make me pay pet insurance or a pet deposit?
No. Earlier drafts of the Renters' Rights Bill would have let landlords require pet damage insurance, but that provision was removed from the final Act. The Tenant Fees Act 2019 still caps the deposit (5 weeks' rent for most tenancies) and bans extra fees — so 'pet rent', 'pet deposits' and compulsory insurance policies are all off the table.
Does my pet request have to be in writing?
Yes — the right is triggered by a written request that includes a description of the pet. A chat at the door doesn't start the 28-day clock. Email counts as writing and gives you a timestamped record; that's what the generator on this page produces.
What can I do if my landlord refuses unreasonably or just ignores me?
First, reply asking for the specific reason in writing — unreasonable refusals tend to collapse when they have to be written down. If that fails, you'll be able to complain to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (rolling out from late 2026), or you can challenge an unreasonable refusal in court. Keep every message; the paper trail is your case.
Can I just get the pet without asking?
Not a good idea. If your tenancy agreement requires consent, getting a pet without asking is a breach of contract — and while it's not an eviction ground by itself, persistent breaches can feed a discretionary possession case. The legal route is now genuinely tenant-friendly: ask in writing, and the landlord needs a good reason to say no.
Last reviewed: June 2026 · RRA 2024 framework · England only