In the past, renting in the UK with a cat or dog often meant being turned down by landlords. But from May 2026, the law changes — landlords can no longer simply say "no" if you want to keep a pet. If you're struggling with renting and having a pet, here's everything you need to know.

1、Core Change: The Blanket Ban Is Abolished

In the past, renting with a pet was very difficult. Only about 7% of rental properties on the market were open to pets. Many pet owners were forced to give up their animals because they couldn't find suitable housing.

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which comes into force on 1 May 2026, tenants will have much more say when it comes keeping pets in rental properties:

1、Statutory right to request – Tenants have the legal right to submit a written request to their landlord asking to keep a pet.

2、No unreasonable refusal – Landlords cannot refuse a pet request without a valid reason. This means "no pets allowed" clauses in tenancy agreements will no longer be legally enforceable.

3、Case-by-case assessment – Landlords must assess each request individually based on the specific circumstances, such as the size of the property and the type of pet.

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2、Money Matters: No Separate "Pet Deposit"

Many tenants worry about whether they need to pay an extra deposit for a pet. The answer is now clear.

Under the new Act and the existing Tenant Fees Act 2019:

1、No additional pet deposit – Landlords cannot charge a separate "pet deposit" or any extra pet-related fees.

2、Total deposit cap remains unchanged – The total tenancy deposit (including the original deposit) is still subject to legal limits. Typically, for properties with an annual rent below £50,000, the deposit cap is 5 weeks' rent; for annual rent above £50,000, the cap is 6 weeks' rent.

What landlords can do instead:

1、Rent adjustment – While they cannot charge an extra deposit, landlords may set a slightly higher market rent to account for the potential wear and tear caused by a pet.

2、Contract variation fee – If the original tenancy agreement banned pets and the tenant requests to change it, the landlord can charge a maximum fee of £50 for the contract variation.

3、Deposit deduction – At the end of the tenancy, if the pet has caused damage beyond normal wear and tear, the landlord can still deduct the relevant repair costs from the original tenancy deposit.

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3、 How to Apply: Process and Timeline

If you now want to keep a pet, you cannot simply bring one home. You must follow a formal application process:

1、Written application – The tenant must submit a written request to the landlord, including a detailed description of the pet (breed, size, whether it has been trained, etc.).

2、Landlord's response deadline – The landlord must provide a written response within 28 days of receiving the request.

3、Requesting additional information – If the landlord needs more information (e.g., vaccination records), they must ask for it within the 28 days. After the tenant provides the information, the landlord has until the later of: the remaining original deadline, or an additional 7 days to make a decision.

4、Obtaining consent from the freeholder – If the landlord is a leaseholder, they may need to seek permission from the freeholder. This process can extend the timeline.

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5、When Can a Landlord Refuse?

While landlords cannot impose a blanket ban, they still have the right to refuse a pet request in the following reasonable circumstances:

1、Health and safety – Another tenant in the same building has a severe allergy to pets (evidence required).

2、Property unsuitable – The property is too small to accommodate a large dog or multiple pets.

3、Legal or contractual restrictions – The pet belongs to an illegal species (e.g., certain banned dog breeds), or the landlord's own freeholder explicitly prohibits pets.

4、Welfare concerns – The property lacks necessary outdoor space, which could harm the animal's welfare.

The following reasons are generally not considered reasonable refusals:

1、"I don't like pets."

2、"Previous tenants' pets caused damage." (Fear of potential future damage is usually not accepted by law.)

3、"Concern about future rental prospects."

If a tenant believes a landlord's refusal is unreasonable, they can challenge it in court.

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5、Tenant Responsibilities and Practical Advice

To successfully rent with a pet and get your deposit back, here is what you should do:

1、Create a "pet CV" – Attaching a pet CV to your request will significantly increase your chances of success. Include: photos of the pet, age, breed, neutering status, vaccination records, obedience training history, and the vet's contact details.

2、Get pet insurance – While not legally required, pet insurance that includes public liability cover is very helpful. It shows the landlord that if your pet damages the property or a neighbour's belongings, an insurance company will cover the cost.

3、Prevent damage – Keep your pet's nails trimmed, use furniture covers, and train your pet to use scratching posts or designated toilet areas.

4、End-of-tenancy cleaning – When the tenancy ends, consider professional deep cleaning, especially for carpets and sofas, to remove pet hair and odours and avoid deposit deductions.

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Summary

The 2026 rules are a major win for pet owners renting in the UK. You no longer have to be separated from your pet just because you rent a home. As long as you follow the proper application process, provide the necessary documentation, respect reasonable landlord considerations and fulfill your responsibilities as a pet owner, you can absolutely give your pet a warm home in a rented property.

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Note: This article mainly applies to England. Rental regulations in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland may differ slightly. Please check your local government website for more information. The information above is based on the UK Parliament website, GOV.UK guidance and multiple legal/news sources. If in doubt, consult Citizens Advice or a professional housing solicitor.