We are a nation of animal lovers. Recent figures show that in 2024, 17.2m (60%) of UK households had a pet, and there are now more than 13.5m dogs and 12.5m cats living with owners across the country.
The Covid pandemic prompted a surge in pet ownership, with 38% of people welcoming a new pet over the last four years.
However, despite their increasing popularity and the fact that many of us see our pets as part of the family, the law has often struggled to keep up.
Currently, pets are treated as ‘property’ in legal terms, which campaigners are currently trying to override.
Pets in Flats Law
Similarly, animal lovers have historically struggled with leases or tenancy agreements which often include prohibitions on keeping pets on flats and in other rental properties.
However, under the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is currently making its way through parliament, landlords will soon be required to consider pet requests from tenants and not unreasonably refuse them.
It is expected that the Bill will receive royal assent by summer 2025, with many of the new rules becoming law over subsequent months.
In this blog, our specialist Landlord and Tenant solicitors consider how the rules about pet ownership are changing under the Renters’ Rights Act.
What is the current law about pets in flats?
If you own the freehold to a property, you can usually keep a pet in a flat without any restrictions.
However, for leaseholders and those who rent properties from a private landlord, the rules are different. As things stand, leaseholders must seek the permission of their freeholder if they wish to keep a pet.
Private renters should check the terms of their lease or tenancy agreement to see whether pets are allowed.
While landlords cannot generally impose blanket bans on pets in rental properties, many are reluctant for tenants to keep pets and can refuse their requests on various grounds.
Many landlords use the model tenancy agreement which was last updated in 2021. This suggests that rejections for requests to keep a pet should only be made where there is “good reason”.
This might include if the pet is too large for the property, or if a tenant having a pet might cause a nuisance for neighbours.
Tenants are also protected under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which says you should be able to request that you keep a pet in your flat despite a clause in the lease against it. Landlords are obliged to consider any such requests fairly and they should not be refused without reason.
Read our previous blog about the model tenancy agreement and pet owners by clicking here.
Figures suggest that renters find it hard to find a property that will allow them to keep a pet. According to a survey conducted in 2021 by YouGov on behalf of Dogs Trust and Cats Protection, only 9% of owners said their properties were advertised as pet friendly.
How are rules about pets in flats changing under the Renters Rights’ Bill?
The Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce several changes to the rules governing pets in rented accommodation, including:
- No blanket bans. Landlords will not be allowed to automatically issue a blanket ban on tenants living with animals.
- Right to request. Tenants will have the right to request a pet.
- Fair consideration. Landlords must consider each request individually.
- Reasonable refusal. A landlord cannot “unreasonably” refuse a request to keep a pet. If a request is refused, landlords must provide a valid reason. Reasonable refusal might include if a property is too small for a large pet, or another tenant has a pet allergy.
- Time limit. A landlord must decide whether you can keep a pet at the property by the 42nd day after the date of the request (extended by a week if they require further information).
- Right to challenge. If a tenant believes their landlord has unreasonably refused their request, they have the right to contact the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or challenge the decision in court.
- Pet insurance: Tenants may be required to obtain pet insurance or pay “reasonable costs” to cover the landlord’s insurance in case of any potential damage to the property.
Read our previous blog about how landlords can prepare for the Renters’ Rights Bill here.
Landlord and Tenant Solicitors Marylebone
The Renters’ Rights Bill will overhaul the private rental sector in England and Wales and introduces various changes for landlords and tenants of private residential properties, including the rules surrounding pet ownership.
If you need legal advice about owning a pet in a rental property, or want to know the likely impact of any other aspect of the Bill, get in touch with us today.
Our experienced landlord and tenant solicitors in London will advise you of your legal rights regarding owning a pet.
For specialist legal advice on landlord and tenant issues, please contact Muscatt Black Graf’s solicitors by calling 0207 586 1141 or emailing contact@muscattblackgraf.com.
This blog was prepared on 2 May 2025. It is not intended to be advice and should not be relied upon as such.