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The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 is now in force, and with it comes one of the most talked-about changes: the right for tenants to request pets.
As of 1st May 2026, landlords can no longer simply say “no” to a pet request. Instead, you must consider each application fairly, respond within 28 days, and have a valid, reasonable ground for any refusal. Service animals are always exempt from refusal.
At Aston Knowles, we’ve been helping landlords understand what this means in practice – and how to turn this change into a competitive advantage.
Here’s our guide to the new pet rules, what’s reasonable, and how we protect your property while attracting great tenants.
What’s changed?
| Before | Now |
| Landlords could blanket-ban pets | Blanket bans are no longer permitted |
| No formal process for requests | Tenants have a legal right to request pets |
| Refusals didn’t need justification | Refusals must be reasonable and evidenced |
| No response time requirement | 28 days to respond to a pet request |
What counts as a reasonable refusal?
The Government has deliberately kept the definition flexible, recognising that every property, tenant, and pet is different. However, it is always reasonable to refuse if:
- A superior landlord (e.g., a freeholder or leaseholder) prohibits pets
- The property is unsuitable for the type or size of pet (e.g., a studio flat for a large dog)
- The pet would breach health and safety regulations
You cannot refuse simply because you prefer not to have pets – you need a genuine, case-specific reason.
Our view: this is an opportunity, not a problem
According to Rightmove, “pet-friendly” was the most searched-for feature by renters in 2025. That’s not a niche – it’s a mainstream demand.
Landlords who embrace this change can:
- Attract a larger pool of tenants – pet owners often struggle to find rentals, so your property stands out
- Reduce void periods – higher demand means quicker lets
- Encourage longer tenancies – tenants with pets are more likely to stay put, which is particularly valuable under the new periodic tenancy rules
In short, being pet-friendly can be a smart commercial decision – as long as you have the right safeguards in place.
How Aston Knowles protects your property
We understand the concern: what if a pet causes damage? What if it disturbs neighbours? We take the stress out of the process with a proactive, professional approach.
We’ll help you with:
- Clear pet policies – We’ll work with you to set sensible, fair guidelines that protect your property while being tenant-friendly
- Detailed inventories – We document the condition of your property thoroughly before the tenant moves in, so there’s a clear baseline
- Regular inspections – We carry out scheduled checks to catch any issues early
- Thorough checkouts – We compare the property’s condition at the end of the tenancy against the original inventory, ensuring any damage is identified and addressed
Importantly: we do not handle legal disputes or court proceedings – if a dispute over damage escalates beyond the deposit, we’ll refer you to a specialist property solicitor.
FAQs – What landlords are asking us
Q. Can I refuse a pet request just because I don’t like pets?
A. No – you need a valid, reasonable reason. A blanket “no” is no longer permitted under the Act.
Q. Can I ask for extra deposit to cover potential pet damage?
A. No – the Government has ruled that the standard deposit of one month’s rent is sufficient. You cannot charge additional pet-specific deposits or fees.
Q. What if a pet damages my property beyond the deposit amount?
A. If the cost of repairs exceeds the deposit, you may be able to recover the additional amount through the courts. We’ll advise on your options and refer you to a solicitor if needed.
Q. Can I still advertise my property as ‘No Pets’?
A. You can indicate a preference – but if a tenant submits a formal request, you must consider it fairly and respond within 28 days. You cannot simply ignore or reject it without a valid reason.
Q. How should I respond to a pet request?
A. We recommend considering each request on its merits – the type of pet, the property’s suitability, and any lease restrictions. We can help you draft a compliant, professional response.
Q. What about service animals?
A. Service animals (e.g., guide dogs) must always be permitted. This is not a discretionary decision – it’s a legal requirement.
Every situation is different
Whether you’re considering a pet policy for a new let or responding to a request from an existing tenant, we’re here to help. We’ll talk through your options, assess the risks, and put the right protections in place.
Contact Aston Knowles today – let’s make the new pet rules work for you.
