Let's talk about pets

The booming growth of the PRS can be attributed to several factors, including an increasingly transient population, high house prices and deposits that make buying a home out of reach for many and changing consumer habits that make renting more appealing to young professionals than buying a home.

For many, renting is now a lifestyle choice, with the flexibility it provides and the chance to live in a nicer home than they could otherwise afford two possible reasons for this. For others, it’s a necessity, forced into the PRS through circumstances or the inability to buy a home of their own.

Whatever the reason, renting for the long-term is a growing phenomenon, particularly for those who come under the bracket of millennials or Generation Rent.

And, if you’re a tenant renting for the long-term, you will be all the more eager to make your rental property feel like a home, adding your own personal touches to turn it into as comfortable living space as possible. This, of course, may include house pets – something which is popular among many families and young professional couples in the UK.

Recent research from Statista found that 62% of households in the UK have a pet.

Landlords have different rules and regulations regarding pets, which are typically set out in your tenancy agreement, and the Renters' Rights Act changed the rules around pets in rentals. Some landlords may decline requests for pets, if they have reason to do so, some will take a more flexible approach, some may allow certain types of pets but not others, and some may be completely open-minded.

As a long-term tenant, the issue of keeping pets is likely to rear its head more than if you were a short-term tenant. There are ways you can raise the topic with your landlord to see if they would be willing to allow pets in their rental properties, including showing them why the pet is suitable to reside in a rental home.

If you’d like a pet in your rented home, as a tenant, you have the right to ask your landlord or letting agent for permission. They must look at your request and shouldn’t refuse without a good reason, such as the property being unsuitable, building rules that ban pets, or the pet being likely to cause serious damage or nuisance.

When you make your request to your landlord or letting agent, it can help to explain the type of pet you’re planning to keep and how you’ll look after them. A small caged hamster may pose less risk than a large dog, while cats and dogs might need more thought about things like scratching or noise. Landlords are generally more familiar with common domestic pets such as dogs, cats, rabbits and hamsters, and may be more cautious about more unusual or higher‑risk animals.

Your landlord can’t charge a separate “pet deposit” or extra pet rent, but they can still use your standard tenancy deposit if there’s any pet‑related damage at the end of the tenancy.

If your landlord has reasonably refused your request, it’s important that you don’t flout these rules. If you’re unsure, or if your tenancy agreement doesn’t make it expressly clear about what the position on pets is, ask your landlord about this rather than just assuming it will be OK and keeping pets in your home without permission.

If your landlord or their property manager turns up for a routine inspection and finds a pet on the premises, or panicked efforts to hide tracks of a pet, this could cause issues and complications further down the line.

Make sure the agreement between you and your landlord regarding pets is clear; if they’re not allowed, don’t try and get around the rules. If they are, ensure that you look after them and the property appropriately and limit the amount of damage that could be caused.

While your landlord may still have concerns about pets in the property, current rules mean they can’t charge a separate “pet deposit” or pet fee just because you have a dog or cat.

Instead, they can ask you to take out pet damage insurance, and they can still claim for any pet‑related damage from your standard tenancy deposit if problems arise.

Dogs can sometimes scratch floors, chew skirting boards or damage gardens, while cats may claw furniture, carpets or curtains, so it’s understandable that landlords want reassurance.

Certain dogs that are illegal to own under dangerous‑dog laws can’t be kept in a rented home at all, and some landlords may be more cautious about puppies because they’re seen as more likely to cause mess or noise.

You can improve your chances of getting permission by showing that your dog is well trained and under control, for example with training certificates or references from previous landlords.

With cats, you can highlight that they can be house‑trained and that you’ll manage things like litter trays and any “gifts” they might bring in.

Smaller pets that are kept in one place - such as fish, hamsters or gerbils - usually present a much lower risk of damage, which can make them easier for landlords to agree to.

It should be clear in your tenancy agreement whether pets are allowed and, if so, on what terms.

Any permission should ideally be in writing and set out which pet is approved and any conditions - for example, keeping the property clean, and keeping noise disturbances to a minimum.

If there isn’t already a pet clause, you can make a formal request and your landlord should give you a written response within a reasonable time and explain if they say no.

Some landlords are happy to allow pets from the start, while others may only agree once you’ve shown you’re a reliable tenant who pays on time and looks after the property. They might also ask for extra reassurance such as references from previous landlords or confirmation that your pet is vaccinated and well behaved.

Whatever you agree, make sure you and your landlord are on the same page and keep a record of it - clear communication and written consent help avoid confusion or disputes later on.

Can my landlord just say “no pets”?

They can have a no‑pets policy, but if you ask to keep a pet they should look at your request and not refuse without a good reason - for example, building rules that ban pets, serious allergy concerns, or where the property isn’t suitable.

Can my landlord charge extra “pet rent” or a separate pet deposit?

They can’t take a separate “pet deposit” or extra fee just because you have a pet. They can still use your standard tenancy deposit if there’s pet‑related damage, and they are entitled to raise the rent price once every 12 months, as long as the new cost is reasonable and fair.

Can my landlord ask me to get pet insurance?

Your landlord can ask you to have insurance which covers pet damage, but they cannot make it a requirement or a condition of having pets in the property.

Do I need written permission for my pet?

Yes, any agreement about pets should be in writing - either in your tenancy agreement or as a separate letter or email - clearly stating which pet is allowed and any conditions.

If my landlord agrees to one pet, can I get more later?

Not automatically. Permission is usually for a specific pet. If you want an additional pet, you should make a new request and wait for written approval.

What happens if my pet causes damage?

You’re responsible for damage your pet causes. Your landlord can use your tenancy deposit if needed.

Can I be asked to remove my pet?

If you keep a pet without permission, or if your pet causes serious damage or nuisance, your landlord can ask you to remove the animal and, in serious cases, may take further action under your tenancy agreement.