The rule
A tenant can ask for a pet. The request must be in writing. It should say what the pet is, how big it is, and the space it needs.
The landlord must answer in writing within 28 days. The landlord can ask for more detail inside those 28 days. Then the clock runs to the end of the 28 days or 7 more days, whichever is later.
Reasons that hold
- Another person in the home has an allergy.
- The property is too small for the animal.
- The species is illegal to keep.
- The landlord's own lease (the superior lease) bans pets.
Reasons that do not hold
- The landlord does not like pets.
- A past tenant's pet caused damage.
- A general worry about damage or about letting the property later.
Money
The landlord cannot ask for pet insurance or an extra pet deposit. The normal deposit (up to 5 weeks' rent) covers damage. Anything above that goes to court.
Once you say yes
Consent cannot be taken back, and the agreement cannot be changed because of it.
Think of it like
A request you have to answer out loud. Imagine reading your reason to a council officer. "The lease forbids it" reads fine. "I would rather not" does not.
Sources
- gov.uk: Assured periodic tenancies, a guide for landlords: if a tenant wants a pet to live with them
- Housing Act 1988, section 16A (as inserted by the Renters' Rights Act 2025)
We make no claims about your situation. This is not legal advice. Confirm on gov.uk and with your own solicitor.
The Landlord Tenancy Pack includes a consent letter and a reasoned-refusal letter you can fill in, for £39.