Assured periodic tenancies: a guide for landlords
If a tenant wants a pet to live with them
If your tenant wants to keep a pet, they’ll need to ask you in writing.
They’ll need to include a description of the pet in their 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)
You cannot refuse without a fair reason.
If your tenant keeps a pet without your permission, they may be breaking the terms of the tenancy agreement.
Once your tenant has asked for a pet
Once your tenant has asked for a pet, you have 28 days to respond in writing.
You can ask for more information about the pet from your tenant if needed. If your tenant does not respond when you ask for more information, you do not have to consider the request.
Once your tenant has given you the additional information, you have either the remainder of the original 28 days or an extra 7 days to respond with your final decision, whichever is later.
If you refuse a request for a pet, you should explain why.
Example
Your tenant asks in writing if they can have a dog. You have 28 days to respond to them.
You’d like more information about the size of the dog and whether it is house trained, so you ask the tenant within the 28 days.
They reply and tell you it’s a small dog that is trained.
You then have either the remainder of the original 28 days or an extra 7 days to respond with your final decision, whichever is later.
If you’re a leaseholder, you may need to ask for permission from your freeholder. You’ll need to check the terms of your lease.
When you can refuse a request for a pet
It may be reasonable to refuse a request in some circumstances, such as:
- another tenant has an allergy
- the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
- the pet is illegal to own
- if you’re a leaseholder and the freeholder does not allow pets
It would usually be unreasonable to refuse if you:
- do not like pets
- have had issues with tenants who had pets in the past
- have had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property
- have general concerns about potential damage in the future
- think a pet might affect future rentals
- know the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog
If you refuse a request for a pet, you’ll need to respond to your tenant in writing.
Your tenant can challenge the refusal if they believe it is unreasonable. They can make a complaint to you or apply to the court to start court proceedings against you.
If you agree your tenant can have a pet
Once you agree to your tenant having a pet, you cannot change your mind or change the tenancy agreement. If you do, your tenant can still keep the pet in the property.
If a tenant wants another pet, they will have to ask for permission again.
Damage from pets
If a pet causes damage, your tenant should talk to you about how it will be repaired.
You can keep money from the deposit to cover repair costs caused by pet damage.
You may also be able to claim through insurance if you or your tenant have a relevant policy.
You cannot claim for the same damage twice. For example, you cannot claim insurance and then also deduct the damage from the deposit. You may be committing fraud if you do.
If you’re concerned about a pet
Speak to your tenant first to try and resolve any issues with their pet.
There are things you can do if you’re concerned about antisocial behaviour involving a pet.
If you’re concerned about the welfare of your tenant’s pet you can contact: