The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill aims to make life easier for pet-loving tenants by giving them the legal right to request a pet in their home. No more blanket bans- landlords will need to consider each request fairly, with clear reasons if they say no.

📊 Did you know?

• 54% of tenants already have (or want) a pet if rules allowed
• Yet only 7% of rental listings are “pet-friendly”

So when can landlords still refuse?

• If the head lease bans pets
• Severe allergies affecting the landlord or other tenants
• Lack of vaccinations or infestation risks
• Unsuitable homes (think: large dogs in tiny flats)

If refusals aren’t reasonable, tenants will be able to challenge decisions through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman.

The hidden benefits of going pet-friendly:

• Pet-friendly homes often attract more tenants
• Pet owners usually stay longer, meaning fewer voids
• 76% of landlords report no pet damage at all

Landlords should still be cautious, but the benefits of saying “yes” to pets may outweigh the risks.

⚠️ Important: The Renters’ Rights Bill has not yet come into law- so for now, the old rules still apply.