Renting with a pet under the current English rules

Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026

Check the accommodation type

For an ordinary English assured periodic tenancy, you can request permission for a pet and the landlord cannot refuse without a fair reason. This does not automatically permit every animal. Different rules apply to lodgers, student halls and other parts of the UK. Start with the official pets guidance ↗.

When searching, discuss the animal before paying a holding deposit. Even a property advertised as pet-friendly requires agreement about your particular pet, preferably in writing. Building-wide restrictions and a freeholder's conditions can matter.

How to make a request

Describe the species, size, number of animals and space required. For a dog, explain household habits and care arrangements; for an enclosed animal, give the enclosure dimensions. Offer to discuss reasonable ways to prevent damage. Avoid unnecessary personal information and unrealistic promises such as complete silence.

Keep evidence of when you sent the request. Under the APT guidance, the landlord must respond in writing within 28 days. Answer requests for further information: the final deadline is the remainder of the original 28 days or seven days after you supply the information, whichever is later. Silence should not be treated as consent.

Assessing reasons for refusal

The property's size, an allergy affecting someone living there, a freeholder's prohibition or an animal that cannot legally be kept may provide reasonable grounds. Simply disliking pets, a previous tenant's behaviour or general concern about future damage will usually be insufficient. Ask for the specific explanation and evidence of an external restriction where one is cited.

An assistance animal needs separate consideration; that request should not be treated simply as a commercial preference. If refusal seems unreasonable or no response arrives, complain to the landlord or agent with the request and correspondence attached. Obtain housing advice where necessary; do not acquire an animal on the assumption that you will win a dispute later.

Consent, payments and moving out

Record permission for the particular animal. Another pet needs another request. Under the current guidance, once consent has been given the landlord cannot simply change their mind and prohibit the approved pet.

Check payments against the Tenant Fees Act guidance ↗: insurance or a paid service cannot be made compulsory as a tenancy condition. The deposit remains subject to the overall legal cap. Justified deductions may cover actual pet damage, but the same loss cannot be recovered twice through insurance and the deposit. Photograph floors, doors and furniture at move-in and after cleaning before you leave.