This guide is general information, not legal advice. The legal sections below apply to private renting in England. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
If you rent privately in England, the answer is no longer a simple “the landlord can say no because the tenancy says so”. From 1 May 2026, the rules for most private tenancies changed. A tenant can ask to keep a pet and a landlord must consider that request rather than rejecting it automatically.
That does not mean every property must accept every pet. It means the decision needs to be fair and based on the circumstances.
How do you ask a landlord for a pet?
The request should be made in writing. Government guidance says you should describe the animal, including details such as the type of pet, its size and how much space it needs. For a dog or cat, it is sensible to add information that makes the request easy to assess: age, routine, whether the animal is house-trained, how long it is normally left alone and any previous landlord reference.
This is exactly where a Paw Keys Pet CV can help. It is not a legal requirement, but it can turn a vague request into something a landlord can understand quickly.
How long does the landlord have to reply?
Government guidance gives the landlord 28 days to respond in writing. They can ask for more information about the pet. Once you provide that information, their final response is due within either the remainder of the original 28-day period or an additional seven days, whichever gives them longer.
If they refuse, they should explain the reason.
What can count as a fair reason to refuse a pet?
There are situations where a refusal may be reasonable. Government examples include another person in the home having an allergy, a property being too small for a large pet or several pets, a freeholder not allowing pets, or the animal being illegal to own.
The key point is that the reason should relate to the actual pet and property. A blanket “we do not like pets” approach is different from saying that a very small flat is not suitable for several large dogs.
What reasons are usually not enough?
Government guidance says it would usually be unreasonable to refuse simply because the landlord does not like pets, had a bad experience with a previous pet-owning tenant, is generally worried that a pet might cause damage, or thinks allowing a pet could make the home harder to rent in future.
Past problems with somebody else’s pet should not automatically decide the outcome of your request.
Can a landlord charge more because you have a pet?
There are separate rules about what a landlord or agent can charge. A landlord can still take a lawful tenancy deposit within the normal cap, and valid pet damage can be claimed from that deposit at the end of the tenancy. But a renter should be cautious if they are asked for an extra fee simply for having a pet.
If a property offers a deposit-replacement product, remember that it is an alternative product rather than a “free deposit”. Read our guide to zero-deposit pet-friendly rentals before choosing one.
What if the landlord says yes?
Once permission is given for that pet, government guidance says the landlord cannot simply change their mind later or rewrite the tenancy to remove that permission. If you want to add another pet, you will need to ask again.
What if you think the refusal is unfair?
Start by asking for the reason in writing and respond to the specific concern. If the issue is size, routine or damage risk, factual information may resolve it. If you still believe the refusal is unreasonable, GOV.UK says you can complain to the landlord or letting agent and may be able to challenge the decision.
How to make a stronger pet request
- Ask in writing and keep a copy.
- Describe the pet accurately rather than just saying “small dog” or “indoor cat”.
- Add a previous landlord reference if you have one.
- Explain the pet’s normal routine and how long it is left alone.
- Be clear about the number of pets.
- Use a Pet CV to keep the information concise.
If you are still looking for a home, you can search Paw Keys for pet-friendly rentals where the pet policy is visible before you enquire.
