Your right to keep a pet from May 2026

You found the perfect flat. Then the landlord asks: "Any pets?" You mention your cat, and the viewing ends moments later.

That scenario is about to change. From 1 May 2026, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 gives renters in England the right to request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.

Renters can now request pets

You need to make a written request to your landlord, specifically describing the pet you want to keep. An email counts. A text does too, but put it in writing.

Your landlord then has 28 days to respond in writing. They can say yes, say yes with conditions, or say no with reasons.

If they don't respond within 28 days, they are in breach of the law. While this doesn't mean consent is 'automatically' granted, it gives you grounds to challenge them through the new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman, who can order the landlord to allow the pet.

This is true whether you're starting a new tenancy or already living somewhere. You can request a pet at any point.

What counts as a "reasonable" refusal to a pet?

Landlords can still say no, but they need a proper reason. A blanket "no pets" policy won't suffice.

Reasonable grounds for refusal might include:

• The property is genuinely unsuitable (a Great Dane in a studio flat, for instance)
• A superior lease on the building prohibits animals
• The landlord applied to the freeholder for permission and was refused

"I don't like dogs" or "pets cause damage" on their own are not reasonable grounds. The test is whether a reasonable person would consider the refusal fair given the specific property and the specific animal.

Renters don't need pet insurance

Landlords cannot require you to buy pet insurance, and charging for it would breach the Tenant Fees Act 2019.

Your landlord's protection is the tenancy deposit, which can be used to cover any damage beyond fair wear and tear at the end of the tenancy. Worn carpet after three years of a cat living there? Likely wear and tear. Scratched doors or stained flooring? That's deposit territory.

Already have a pet without permission?

The Renters Rights Act does not create retrospective amnesty for pets. If you have a cat your landlord doesn't know about, you're technically still in breach of your tenancy agreement until you make a formal request under the new rules.

But here's the practical reality: from 1 May 2026, you can submit a written request immediately. If your landlord can't articulate a reasonable ground to refuse, they must say yes. And with Section 21 abolished, they can't evict you without a legitimate reason. Retaliatory eviction for requesting a pet is not one.

If you're in this situation, make your written request on or after 1 May. Get ahead of it rather than waiting for a complaint.

What about assistance dogs or emotional support animals?

If you have a trained assistance dog (from organisations like Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Canine Partners, or others accredited by Assistance Dogs UK), you are already protected under the Equality Act 2010.

"Emotional support animals" are a different story. The UK has no legal framework for ESAs equivalent to the US system. Certificates purchased online claiming to register an emotional support animal have zero legal standing in England and Wales. Under the Renters' Rights Act, an ESA is treated like any other pet: you request consent, and the landlord must not unreasonably refuse.

What if your landlord says no to a pet unfairly?

If you believe the refusal is unreasonable, you'll be able to challenge it through the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman once it launches. The Ombudsman can order the landlord to grant consent.

What you should do now

If you're renting with a pet or want to get one after May 2026, put your request in writing and keep a copy. Give your landlord the 28 days. If they refuse without good reason, or don't respond at all, you have rights.

If your landlord tries to evict you for keeping a pet they unreasonably refused, or charges you a "pet fee," that could trigger a rent repayment order if it crosses into illegal conduct.

At Remedy, we help people across the UK understand and enforce their rights. Sign up for free and see how we can support with assessments, letters, and helping you get a pet in your home.