As part of the broad reforms introduced in the Renters' Rights Act, a significant shift is proposed in how landlords handle tenant requests to keep pets in rented homes.

Landlords Consent And Pet Requests 

Traditionally, landlords have had full discretion to allow or prohibit pets, often including “no pets” clauses or requiring written consent within tenancy agreements. 

Under the Act, tenants have the right to request to keep a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse such requests.  

Responding To Pet Requests

When a tenant submits a formal request to keep a pet, landlords should:

• Consider the request in a fair and timely manner
• Provide a clear response to the tenant
• Keep a written record of the decision and the reasons for it 

Tenancy Compliance And Pet Requests 

Property includes a catalogue of Residential Tenancy Compliance Documents including letters dealing with a pet requests.