Assured periodic tenancies: a guide for tenants
If you want a pet to live with you
If you want to keep a pet, you’ll need to ask your landlord in writing. You’ll need to include a description of your pet in your request. This could include:
- what type of animal it is
- how big it is
- how much room it will need (for example, if it will be in an enclosure)
Your landlord cannot refuse without a fair reason.
If you keep or get a pet without permission, you may be breaking the terms of your tenancy agreement.
Once you have asked to keep a pet
Once you have asked to keep a pet, your landlord has 28 days to respond in writing.
You should give your landlord additional information about your pet, if they ask for it. If you do not respond, your landlord does not have to consider your request.
Once you’ve given them the additional information, they have either the remainder of the original 28 days or an extra 7 days to respond with their final decision, whichever is later.
If your landlord refuses your request for a pet, they should explain why.
Example
Your ask your landlord in writing if you can have a dog. Your landlord has 28 days to respond to you.
They respond and ask you about the size of the dog and whether it is house trained. You reply and tell them it’s a small dog that is trained.
Your landlord then has either the remainder of the original 28 days or an extra 7 days to respond with their final decision, whichever is later.
When a landlord can refuse a request for a pet
It may be reasonable for your landlord to refuse a request in some circumstances, such as:
- a person you live with has an allergy
- the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
- a freeholder owns the property and they do not allow pets
- the pet is illegal to own
It would usually be unreasonable for your landlord to refuse if they:
- do not like pets
- have had issues with tenants who had pets in the past
- have general concerns about potential damage in the future
- have had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property
- think a pet might affect future rentals
- know the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog
You can make a complaint about your landlord if you think the refusal is unreasonable.
If your landlord agrees you can have a pet
Once your landlord agrees to you having a pet, they cannot change their mind or change your tenancy agreement. If they do, you can still keep your pet in the property.
If you want another pet, you will have to ask for permission again.
Damage from pets
If your pet causes damage, talk to your landlord about how it will be repaired.
Your landlord can keep money from your deposit to cover repair costs caused by pet damage.
They may also be able to claim through your pet insurance (if you have any).
They cannot claim for the same damage twice. For example, they cannot claim insurance and then also deduct the damage from your deposit.
How to complain if you think a request is being unreasonably refused
Complain to your landlord or letting agent if either:
- they do not respond to your request to have a pet within 28 days
- you think the reason for refusing a pet is unreasonable