New Tenant Pet Rights and What Residential Landlords Need to Do to Stay Compliant

The Renters’ Rights Act has introduced significant changes for residential landlords and letting agents, including new rules governing a tenant’s rights to keep a pet in rented property. 

While some landlords have historically allowed pets, others have relied on blanket bans on pets. Under the new legislation, blanket bans on pets are no longer permitted in the private rented sector. 

Landlords are now required to:

respond to all tenant pet requests within a strict timeframe; and

reasonably consider each request on its individual merits.

Failure to comply with these requirements may allow a tenant to apply to the court for consent, increasing the risk of disputes, enforcement action, and legal costs. 

To support compliance a suite of solicitor-drafted pet consent documents is now available. These documents are designed to help landlords respond lawfully, and confidently with pet requests. 

Download Pet Requests Guidance Template and Residential Tenancy Pet Consent Templates for Landlords to ensure you remain compliant and reduce legal risk.