One of the more talked-about changes under the Renters’ Rights Act is the introduction of a new right for tenants to request permission to keep a pet in their rental property.

This change reflects the growing demand for pet-friendly homes and aims to create a fairer balance between tenants’ lifestyles and landlords’ property concerns.

What is the current position on pets?

At present, whether a tenant can keep a pet is largely at the discretion of the landlord.

Many tenancy agreements include clauses that either prohibit pets entirely or require tenants to seek permission. In practice, this has often led to blanket bans, with landlords choosing not to allow pets to avoid potential risks such as property damage or complaints from neighbours.

As a result, finding a pet-friendly rental property can be difficult for tenants.

What’s changing under the Renters’ Rights Act?

Under the new legislation, tenants will have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet and landlords will be required to consider that request.

Landlords will no longer be able to impose automatic or blanket bans without justification. If a landlord chooses to refuse a request, they must provide a valid reason in writing.

This introduces a more balanced approach, where decisions must be made on a case-by-case basis rather than applying a one-size-fits-all rule.

How will this affect landlords?

For landlords, this change means adopting a more considered approach to pets in rental properties.

While landlords are not obliged to accept every request, they will need to demonstrate a reasonable basis for any refusal. This could relate to factors such as the type of property, lease restrictions or concerns about suitability.

Landlords will also need to think about how to manage potential risks, such as wear and tear or additional maintenance. This may involve setting clear expectations within the tenancy agreement and ensuring the property is appropriately protected.

What does this mean for tenants?

For tenants, the right to request a pet is a significant step forward.

It removes the automatic barrier that many renters have faced and gives them the opportunity to discuss their circumstances openly with landlords. This is particularly important for those who already own pets or rely on them for companionship.

While permission is not guaranteed, tenants now have a clearer and fairer process, along with the ability to challenge decisions they believe are unreasonable.

Why this change matters

This reform reflects a broader shift towards making the rental market more flexible and inclusive.

Pets are an important part of many households and the ability to keep one can have a meaningful impact on quality of life. By introducing a structured process for requests, the legislation encourages more balanced decision-making while still allowing landlords to protect their properties.

It also promotes better communication between landlords and tenants, helping to build more positive and long-term rental relationships.

The importance of clear agreements and management

With this change, it becomes increasingly important to have clear terms in place when pets are allowed.

Setting expectations around property care, maintenance and responsibility helps to reduce potential issues and ensures both parties understand their obligations. Regular property inspections and open communication can also help maintain standards throughout the tenancy.

Taking a proactive approach to managing tenancies where pets are involved will be key to making this change work effectively.

Need advice on managing pets in rental properties?

At Seths Estate Agents, we help landlords across Leicester navigate changes to rental legislation while protecting their properties and maintaining strong tenant relationships.

From drafting tenancy agreements to managing ongoing tenancies, we ensure everything is handled professionally and in line with the latest legal requirements.

If you are currently self-managing or working with another agent, now is the time to review your approach and make sure you are prepared for these changes.

📞 Call our team on 0116 266 9977 for expert property management.