Renters’ rights bill and pets: what a landlord needs to know

The Renters’ Rights Bill is a legislative proposal that was introduced under the Labour government in an attempt to reform the private rented sector in England. Here, we’ll take a look at what the Renters Rights Bill says about pets. 

The Renters’ Rights Bill was introduced to Parliament in September 2024 and is likely to become law between July and October 2025. One of the key issues that the bill looks to address is introducing a new law on pets in rented properties while aiming to balance the interests of both tenants and landlords. Here, we’ll discuss what the new Renters’ Rights Bill hopes to achieve with pets and renting. 

Changes to tenancy agreements with pet ownership

With regards to the Renters’ Rights Bill and pets, tenants are able to request to own a pet from a landlord. Here’s what it says:

Written requests

Under the Renters Rights Bill, pets can be requested with a written request sent to landlords. A landlord will then be expected to respond to this request within 28 days of receiving the request. 

As a landlord, you will be able to request additional information about the pet, which the tenant is then expected to give to you. If tenants fail to provide you with this information, you are entitled to refuse the request. 

Grounds for refusal

There are also other reasons why you would probably be looking to refuse your tenant’s pet under the Renters’ Rights Bill. For example, if the size of your property is too small, if the type of pet your tenant wants isn’t suitable for a rented property, or if it is logistically impossible for your tenant to have a pet. 

Another reason you would refuse a tenant’s request for a pet is if your leasing agreement specifically states that no pets are allowed. 

Insurance and property protection

The Renters’ Rights Bill also states that you are within your rights to ask your tenants for a pet deposit or pet rent. Pet deposits are taken in a lump sum and as a once-off payment that can be used to repair any damages caused by pets. Pet rent, on the other hand, is a monthly payment that tenants can make towards pet damages. 

Challenging unreasonable refusals

The new law on pets in rented properties also states that tenants can dispute any refusals made by landlords if they feel the pet has been unreasonably refused. Tenants have the option to do this by using an Ombudsman or can seek resolution through the courts. 

These provisions aim to make pet ownership more accessible for renters but still ensure you, as a landlord, can protect your property. 

Protecting your property

If you do decide to allow pets on your property, you’ll need to ensure that your property is protected from any damages caused by your tenants’ pets. Allowing pets under the Renters’ Rights Bill still ensures that you are protected as a landlord. 

Also, ensure that you frequently inspect your property to keep on top of any potential damages caused by your tenants’ pets. You can also give your tenants maintenance tips to support them in keeping your property neat and tidy. 

You may also receive complaints from other tenants regarding damages caused by pets if you own an HMO. It’s important to keep on top of these complaints to ensure that your tenants are kept happy. 

What does your tenant need to do? 

As much as it’s your responsibility as a landlord to ensure your property is maintained and looked after, it is also important that tenants fulfil their responsibilities when requesting a pet. With this comes their responsibility to make sure that any damages are taken care of, as mentioned above,  and that their pets are toilet-trained and trained not to bark consistently.  

With regards to requesting a pet, tenants are required to do so in writing, including the following: 

• Details about the specific pet they want to get
• If they have any previous experience with owning a pet
• State their commitment to looking after their pet and making sure any damages are taken care of
• Offer assurance about being able to manage the noise and cleanliness of their pet
• The breed, size and age of the pet 
• Provide vaccination records or proof of training
• Willingness to offer compensation for any damages or mess caused by the pet

If you feel that the tenants have provided you with sufficient information in their request for a pet and you’re happy to allow one, then you can respond to your tenant with your answer. 

The Renters’ Rights Bill and pets: best practices

By now,  you may have heard that landlords are no longer allowed to issue a blanket ban on pet ownership. Instead, you will need to consider each request for a pet at your property individually. 

We mentioned earlier that you will need to provide a valid reason should you feel the need to decline your tenant’s request for a pet under the Renters’ Rights Bill, including any practical or space issues or health and safety issues. Tenants will have the right to dispute your refusal if they feel your reasoning is unfair. 

However, make sure that you add fair pet clauses to your tenancy agreement should you wish to allow your tenants to own pets. 

Steps to take 

There are a few steps that you can take if your tenant’s pets are causing issues to your property, including: 

Communicate with your tenant

Communicate with your tenants by giving them a friendly reminder of the tenancy agreement and the precautions they’ve committed to take. 

If the issue still continues, the next step would be to have a face-to-face discussion with the tenant to find out what measures they need to put in place to ensure their pet doesn’t continue to cause further issues. 

Detailed logs

Next, be sure to keep a detailed log of all the conversations you have with your tenants and any complaints you’ve received from neighbours. Be sure to include the dates and times of these complaints with details of the actual issue. You should also try to gather as much evidence as possible. 

Formal actions 

If your tenant still refuses to sort the issue out, you’ll be within your rights to issue them a breach of contract notice, outlining the specific violations being made, with a specific timeframe in which tenants have to rectify the issue. 

If the issue persists, you’ll be able to take legal action, such as eviction, through the courts. 

Important considerations

If your tenant has a service animal and it is causing issues, you will need to consider this when deciding on what action to take under the Equality Act 2010 before taking any action. 

The Renters’ Rights Bill ensures that pets are a lot more easily accessible for tenants, however, it also provides the reassurance that landlords need to feel that their property is protected against damages caused by pets. 

Make sure that you take care of your property by investing in landlord insurance. At CIA Landlords, we have the expertise to find the best landlord insurance deals that are suitable for your needs as a landlord. Contact us today on 01788 818 670.