For years, one of the most common tensions in the rental market has been between tenants who want to keep pets and landlords who’d prefer not to allow them. But with the Renters’ Rights Bill (formerly the Renters Reform Bill) now close to becoming law, the rules around pets in rental properties are about to change.
If you’re a landlord wondering how this affects your property or a tenant hoping to bring your furry friend with you, this blog explains what’s happening, when it’s likely to come into effect, and how to prepare for it.
The Current Situation
At the moment, landlords in England can simply say “no pets allowed” and that’s the end of the conversation. There’s no legal obligation to consider pet requests, and many tenancy agreements include blanket bans. That’s all about to change.
What the New Law Says About Pets
The Renters’ Rights Bill introduces a legal right for tenants to request a pet in their rental home and landlords won’t be allowed to automatically refuse.
Here’s what we know so far:
1. Tenants Will Have the Right to Request a Pet
Tenants will be able to make a formal written request to keep a pet in the property. That includes dogs, cats, rabbits, even fish, if they’re not already included in the tenancy. Landlords will be required to consider the request and respond in writing within 42 days.
2. Landlords Must Have a Valid Reason to Say No
You’ll still be able to refuse a pet request — but only if there’s a legitimate reason. For example:
- The lease for the building prohibits pets (e.g. in flats with shared ownership or leasehold clauses).
- The pet is unsuitable for the property (e.g. a large dog in a small upstairs flat with no garden).
- There’s a safety risk or allergy concern for future tenants.
- You’re renting a room in a HMO.
Simply saying “No pets” won’t be acceptable anymore.
What about insurance?
There was talks for a long time of landlords being able to ask tenants to take out pet insurance against damages to the property, however this was dropped by the House of Lords and is not part of the bill.
When Will These Rules Come Into Force?
The Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to become law in late 2025, with the pet rules likely to apply to new tenancies first.
The government has said there will be at least six months’ notice before implementation. So realistically, the changes will start applying from early to mid‑2026, with existing tenancies likely included a bit later.
What Does This Mean for Landlords?
Many landlords are understandably cautious when it comes to pets but with the legal landscape changing, it’s important to adapt early.
Here’s what we recommend:
1. Review Your Tenancy Agreements
If your current tenancy agreement includes a blanket “no pets” clause, this will need to be updated. Going forward, it’s about handling requests on a case-by-case basis, not shutting them down automatically.
2. Create a Pet Policy
It’s worth putting together a simple, fair pet policy that outlines:
- The process for requesting a pet
- Acceptable types of pets (e.g. no dangerous breeds)
- Behaviour expectations (e.g. no excessive noise or fouling of communal areas)
- Insurance requirements
Having a clear policy helps manage expectations and gives you more control.
3. Check your landlord insurance
Before letting the tenant have a pet, confirm your own landlord insurance covers pet-related damage.
4. Ensure you have detailed inventories
We strongly suggest checking the depth of inventories before accepting pets, this way you know exactly the condition of the property before any pets join.
- If something isn’t on the inventory, you can’t claim against it.
- Make sure you take detailed photos and descriptions, odours will be a more prominent issue with things like wet dog smell.
What Does This Mean for Tenants?
If you’re a tenant looking to rent with a pet, the Renters’ Rights Bill gives you more confidence — but it doesn’t guarantee approval.
You’ll still need to:
- Make a formal request (in writing)
- Show that your pet is suitable for the property
- Agree to insurance or repair responsibilities
- Be a responsible owner — noise, damage, or hygiene issues can still lead to action being taken
Remember: this isn’t a free-for-all. The right to request a pet doesn’t mean a guaranteed “yes” — but it does mean your landlord has to give you a fair answer.
How Front Door Lettings Is Getting Ready
At Front Door Lettings, we’re already working with both landlords and tenants to make the transition smooth. Our tenancy agreements are being updated to reflect the new rules, and we’re helping landlords:
- Build fair pet policies.
- Understand how and when to say no.
- Protect their properties through very detailed inventory photos prior to any pets moving in.
We also guide tenants on how to make the best possible request — including pet profiles, vaccination records, and references from previous landlords.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming pet rules in the Renters’ Rights Bill mark a big change but with the right approach, they don’t have to be a risk for landlords or a hassle for tenants.
If you’re a landlord in Bristol wondering how to navigate this — or a tenant looking for a pet-friendly property — get in touch with Front Door Lettings. We’re here to help you adapt, protect your property, and build great tenancies that last – our fully managed letting plan helps cover all of this and takes the stress off your hands.
Need help updating your tenancy agreements or pet policy? Book a free chat with us today and let’s get ahead of the changes together.
