What changed in England
From 1 May 2026, a tenant under the covered private renting rules can request a pet. The landlord must consider the request and should explain a refusal. This is a right to ask and receive reasonable consideration, not an automatic right to keep any animal in any property.
Lodger arrangements and other excluded accommodation can follow different rules.
Make a useful written request
Describe the animal, age, size, temperament, training and daily care. Explain how you will prevent noise, odour, damage and escape, and provide a reference from a previous landlord or vet if available.
Ask housemates first. Allergies, fear, existing pets, lease restrictions and insufficient space can be relevant to whether the arrangement works.
Keep the agreement clear
If approved, record any sensible conditions about cleaning, shared areas and garden use. Do not agree to a prohibited extra fee. Ask for any proposed insurance requirement or variation in writing and check it against current official guidance.
If refused, ask for the reason calmly and use the official tenant guidance before deciding whether to challenge it.
Official sources and further reading
- Renters’ Rights Act overview for tenantsGOV.UK · Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government
- Fees you can charge as part of a tenancyGOV.UK