Can Landlords Refuse Pets?

For many people in the UK, a pet is much more than just an animal; it’s a part of the family. However, finding a rental property that allows pets can sometimes feel like an uphill battle.

For years, landlords have been able to say ‘no pets’ without providing an explanation. However, with changes introduced to the Renters’ Rights Bill set to be introduced, it should soon become easier for tenants who want to live with their furry friends.

In this article, we’ll take a look at why landlords sometimes refuse pets and answer the question ‘Can a landlord refuse pets?’

Read on for more information…

Reasons why landlords refuse pets

Before we take a look at the law, let’s first turn to some of the reasons why landlords are reluctant to accept pets in the first place. While some landlords are sympathetic to tenants with animals, there are also legitimate practical concerns to consider.

This includes:

Damage to property

Perhaps the biggest concern is the potential for damage. Dogs may scratch or chew doors and floors, cats can claw at carpets and furniture and even smaller animals can leave stains and damage that are costly to remove. Landlords often fear that pets will cause irreversible damage to their property.

Insurance reasons

Some landlord insurance policies do not cover pets or require expensive premiums. This means landlords could face big financial risks if a pet causes harm to the property.

The pet is not suitable for the property

Certain rental properties are simply not suitable for pets. This is especially the case with flats with no outdoor space, as they are not practical or fair to the animal. Landlords may claim that the pet’s welfare will be at risk if they are living in these kinds of properties.

Causing a nuisance to neighbours

Noise complaints, especially from barking dogs, can cause tension with neighbours. Landlords will want to avoid these conflicts at all costs, and the easiest thing to do is simply not allow pets in the first place.

Infestations from fleas

Some landlords will be worried about infestations, particularly if tenants have left fleas or pests in the past. A serious infestation can spread quickly and cost a lot of money to rectify.

People not cleaning up after pets

Landlords may worry that tenants will not properly clean up after their pets – both indoors and outdoors. Pet smells, litter boxes or garden mess can all reduce the appeal of the property in the future.

Can landlords refuse pets?

Yes, landlords can refuse pets in certain circumstances, but blanket bans will no longer be allowed.

The new Renters’ Rights Bill, which is expected to become law in early 2026, builds on former proposals from the Fairer Renting reforms. This means landlords must now consider each pet request on a case-by-case basis, and requests cannot be automatically rejected and they must have a good reason for saying no.

If a tenant requests permission to keep a pet, the landlord must respond within 42 days. If they refuse, a written explanation must be provided outlining the reasons.

So, while landlords can still say no, decisions will need to be justified.

The Impact of The Renter’s Rights Bill

The Renters’ Rights Bill, previously known as the Renters Reform Bill, is one of the biggest shakeups in UK rental law for many years. As well as plans to abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, the reforms also plan to make it fairer for tenants with pets.

If you’re a tenant wanting to bring a pet into your rented home, you should:

Submit a written request to your landlord explaining the type of pet you wish to have
Provide details about the animal – including its breed, age and proof of vaccinations or training if appropriate
You should also offer reassurance, for instance, by offering to cover cleaning costs if damage does occur.

What is an unreasonable refusal?

Under the new rules, a landlord can still say no, but only if they have a reasonable justification. An unreasonable refusal could be:

Having a blanket ‘no pets’ policy
No good reason is provided
Declining based on a personal dislike of animals or due to unlawful discrimination

Some examples of reasonable refusals include:

The property is leasehold, and the freeholder prohibits pets
The pet is too large or otherwise unsuitable for the property
There are legitimate concerns about noise, allergies and health and safety risks
The tenant has a track record of property damage or neglect

What to do if a landlord refuses a pet

If your landlord has refused permission for a pet and you feel it is unfair or unjustified, there is an appeal process you can follow. This includes:

Request written reasons: Ask your landlord to confirm the refusal in writing. This will help determine whether the decision was reasonable, and you will have written evidence if you need to escalate the issue.
Provide reassurance: To try and put your landlord’s mind at ease, you could offer a number of reassurances. This may include offering to pay for professional cleaning at the end of the tenancy, increasing your deposit or showing pet insurance proof.
Mediation or formal complaint: If the landlord is still unfairly refusing, you can attempt mediation. Alternatively, you can raise a complaint with the Housing Ombudsman.
Never sneak a pet in: Even if you feel the decision is unfair, you should never bring a pet into the property without permission. Doing so could breach your tenancy agreement and may lead to penalties or even eviction.

Tips for avoiding issues when renting with a pet

If you are allowed a pet in your rental property, there are things you can do to prevent issues from arising:

Keep your pet well-groomed
Clean the property more regularly
Address damage promptly if accidents happen
Be considerate by managing noise and mess
Provide proof of vaccinations
Get pet insurance that covers property damage

By showing you’re a reasonable pet owner, you’ll make it easier to secure future rentals and maintain a positive reputation.