Home / Glossary / Pets in tenancies
What is Pets in tenancies?
Last verified 23 October 2026
Pets in tenancies refers to the rules on tenants keeping a pet in a rented home. In England, a tenant with an assured tenancy can ask in writing to keep a pet, and the landlord can only refuse with a valid reason.
Why it matters to landlords
The landlord has 28 days to reply in writing. They can ask for more details about the pet, and then have either the rest of the original 28 days or an extra 7 days after the reply, whichever is later. Refusing may be reasonable if another tenant has an allergy, the property is too small for the animal, the pet is illegal to own, or a superior landlord such as a freeholder does not allow pets. Simply disliking pets or general worry about future damage would usually be unreasonable, as would refusing an assistance animal such as a guide dog.
A tenant can complain or go to court over a refusal. Landlords can use the deposit for pet damage and may be able to claim through a relevant insurance policy. The rules started with the first phase of the Renters' Rights Act on 1 May 2026.
Example
A tenant emails on 2 June asking to keep a small cat. On 10 June the landlord asks whether the cat is neutered and gets a reply on 12 June. The decision is due by 30 June, the later of the original deadline and 7 days after the reply.