Asking to keep a pet

This legal right covers assured tenancies. If you have an older, protected tenancy it doesn't apply, but you're still very welcome to ask us about a pet. See Are you a protected tenant?.

For lots of us, a pet is part of what makes a house a home. Since 1 May 2026 you have a legal right to ask to keep one, and a landlord can't say no without a good reason.

How to ask

• Put your request in writing.
• Describe the pet: what kind of animal it is, how big it is, and how much room it needs (for example, if it lives in an enclosure).
• Ask before your pet moves in. Keeping a pet without permission may break your tenancy agreement.

What happens next

• You should get a written answer within 28 days.
• Within those 28 days your landlord may ask you for more information. Once you've sent it, they have until the end of the original 28 days or 7 more days, whichever is later.
• If the lease of the building means someone else, such as a freeholder, has to agree too, your landlord can wait for their answer and then has 7 days to reply to you.
• You and your landlord can also agree a later date together.

Good reasons and poor reasons

A landlord can't unreasonably refuse. Not every pet will suit every home, and the government's guidance gives examples of reasons that may be fair: someone you live with has an allergy, the home is too small for a large pet or several pets, the freeholder doesn't allow pets, or the animal is illegal to own.

The same guidance says it would usually be unreasonable to refuse simply because a landlord doesn't like pets, has general worries about future damage, has had problems with other tenants' pets, or because the pet is an assistance animal such as a guide dog. A refusal should come with the reason.

Once a pet is agreed

• Your landlord can't later change their mind about that pet. If you'd like another one, just ask again.
• If your pet causes damage, the cost of repairs can come from your deposit. The usual deposit cap still applies.
• A landlord can't make you buy pet insurance, though you may choose to have it. If you do, the same damage can't be claimed twice.

If you think a refusal isn't fair, the government's advice is to raise it with your landlord first. Shelter and Citizens Advice can also help.

Find out more

• If you want a pet to live with you (GOV.UK)
• Housing Act 1988, section 16A (legislation.gov.uk)
• Housing Act 1988, section 16B (legislation.gov.uk)
• Shelter housing advice