Renting with pets: your right to ask in England

By Sam Kane · Last checked 9 October 2026 · Covers England only

If you rent privately in England, you have the right to ask your landlord to let you keep a pet, and your landlord cannot say no without a good reason. This right has been part of every private assured tenancy since 1 May 2026, even if your tenancy agreement says “no pets”. Your landlord must reply in writing, usually within 28 days.

This guide explains how renting with pets works now: how to ask, what counts as a fair refusal, and what to do if your landlord says no.

The short version

Can my landlord refuse a pet?

Yes, but only for a good reason. Your landlord must look at each request on its own facts.

Reasons the government says may be fair:

Reasons that are not fair on their own:

If you need an assistance animal, such as a guide dog, separate equality law protects you. Get advice if a landlord refuses one.

How do I ask my landlord for a pet?

  1. Write to your landlord or letting agent. A letter or email is fine. Keep a copy.
  2. Describe the pet. Say what kind of animal it is, how big it is, its age, and where it will sleep and spend its time.
  3. Add anything that helps. For example, a reference from a previous landlord, proof of vaccinations and flea treatment, or how you will look after the garden and carpets.
  4. Note the date you sent it. The 28 days start from your request.

How long does my landlord have to reply?

Your landlord must reply in writing within 28 days.

The time can be longer in two cases:

You and your landlord can also agree a longer time.

Can my landlord charge extra for a pet?

No. Shelter says your landlord cannot ask you for more rent or a higher deposit because you have a pet. A bigger deposit for a pet counts as a banned fee under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Your deposit is capped at 5 weeks’ rent (6 weeks if the yearly rent is £50,000 or more), whether or not you have a pet. If your pet causes damage, your landlord can take the cost of repairs from your deposit at the end of the tenancy, in the same way as any other damage. Our deposit guide explains how deductions work.

Can my landlord make me get pet insurance?

Earlier versions of the law would have let landlords ask for pet insurance, and many older articles still say so. Shelter explains that these rules were left out of the final Act. Your landlord cannot charge you a pet fee unless it is on the list of payments the Tenant Fees Act allows.

What if my landlord says no?

  1. Ask for the reason in writing, if they have not given one.
  2. Reply calmly and deal with their worry. For example, offer more information about the pet or how you will look after the home.
  3. Make a formal complaint to your landlord or letting agent.
  4. Get advice from Shelter or Citizens Advice.
  5. As a last resort, go to court. If the refusal is unreasonable, you can ask the court to order your landlord to give consent. Legal aid is not available for this, so get advice first.

A free ombudsman for private renters is planned. When it opens, you will be able to complain to it about an unfair refusal without going to court. Our guide to the Renters’ Rights Act explains what is still to come.

Can I keep a pet without asking?

It is risky. If you keep a pet without your landlord’s permission, you may be breaking your tenancy agreement. Breaking a tenancy term is one of the reasons a landlord can use to ask a court to end a tenancy, although the court decides whether that is reasonable. Our section 8 guide explains how that works. Asking first is the safer way.

Who can ask to rent with pets?

It covers private tenants in England with an assured tenancy. Since 1 May 2026, that is almost every private renter. Read more in our guide to assured periodic tenancies.

It usually does not cover:

Renting with pets: what to do now

  1. Read your tenancy agreement. A “no pets” clause does not stop you from asking.
  2. Write a clear request with details of the pet.
  3. Keep copies of everything you send and receive.

Common questions

Does a “no pets” advert stop me from asking for a pet?

No. The law does not remove your right to ask because an advert said “no pets”. The advertising regulator tells advertisers not to suggest anything that breaks the new rules, so many landlords and agents now avoid the words “no pets”. Once you are a private tenant in England, you can still ask in writing, and your landlord must consider it fairly.

How long does a landlord have to respond to a pet request?

28 days, in writing. It can be longer if they ask you for more information or need consent from a superior landlord.

Can my landlord ask for a pet deposit?

No. Your landlord cannot ask for a higher deposit because you have a pet. The usual cap of 5 weeks’ rent applies.

Can my landlord put the rent up because I have a pet?

No. Shelter says a landlord cannot charge more rent because you have a pet. Any rent rise must follow the normal rules. See our guide to rent increases.

Do the pet rules cover cats and dogs only?

No. The right covers any pet you describe in your request. Your landlord can consider the type and size of the animal when they decide.

What does the Renters’ Rights Act say about pets?

It gives private tenants in England the right to ask for a pet. Your landlord must reply in writing within 28 days and cannot refuse without a good reason.

Does the right to ask for a pet apply to housing association tenants?

No. Shelter says the new pet rules do not apply to social tenants. Check your own tenancy agreement and ask your landlord.

Where to get free help

Sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. If your landlord has refused a pet, get advice about your own situation.

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