What the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 Means for Landlords
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 introduces a landmark change for pet ownership in rental properties across England. For the first time, tenants will have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords will be required to consider such requests reasonably.
This new rule reflects shifting social attitudes toward companion animals and growing demand for pet-friendly homes in the private rented sector.
For landlords, this reform brings both opportunities and responsibilities. Understanding the implications early will help landlords remain compliant, attract reliable tenants, and manage potential risks effectively.
What the Change Is: Tenants Will Have the Right to Request to Keep a Pet, and Landlords Must Consider Requests Reasonably
Previously, landlords could prohibit pets outright by including a “no pets” clause in tenancy agreements. This was standard practice across most Assured Shorthold Tenancies, allowing landlords to maintain greater control over property condition and liability risks.
Under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, this will no longer be permissible. The Act grants tenants a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must respond reasonably to such requests within a defined timeframe.
Landlords can only refuse if they have a valid reason, such as:
- Property type being unsuitable (e.g., shared accommodation or flats with lease restrictions).
- The pet poses a safety or nuisance risk to neighbours.
- The animal breaching building insurance or head-lease conditions.
If a landlord refuses, they must provide written justification, showing that the decision is proportionate and compliant with the new legislation. Blanket bans will be unlawful once the Act’s pet provisions come into effect.
Additionally, landlords will be allowed to require tenants to obtain pet insurance to cover potential damage, a safeguard recognized within the legislation. This balances tenant rights with landlord protection, ensuring responsible ownership.
Why It Matters: Tenant Demand for Pet-Friendly Lets, Managing Risk
The UK has seen a rapid rise in pet ownership, particularly after the pandemic. According to housing surveys, nearly 60% of tenants now own or plan to own a pet, yet only a fraction of private rentals currently allow them.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 aims to close this gap, aligning the rental market with modern tenant expectations.
Meeting Tenant Demand
Properties that welcome pets will be more attractive to an increasingly large share of the rental market.
Pet-friendly landlords are likely to experience lower vacancy rates, longer tenancies, and increased tenant satisfaction, as tenants with pets tend to stay longer and treat properties as long-term homes.
Managing Risk and Property Condition
While the reform offers opportunity, landlords must still manage legitimate concerns. Pet damage, noise complaints, and hygiene issues remain potential risks. To mitigate these:
- Request pet insurance: Landlords can require tenants to hold a valid pet damage policy.
- Include pet clauses in agreements: Specify acceptable behaviour, noise limits, and cleaning responsibilities.
- Conduct regular inspections: Ensure property condition and compliance with lease obligations.
- Assess suitability: Match the pet type to the property. Small dogs or cats may be suitable for flats, while larger animals may not.
The British Landlords Association (BLA) advises members to review tenancy templates and include “reasonable consent” clauses to allow for case-by-case assessment. This ensures compliance while maintaining landlord control over property standards.
When Will This Rule Apply: Expected with Broad Commencement of the Act’s Key Parts
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, but not all parts of the Act are immediately in force.
The pet ownership provisions will commence alongside the broader rollout of the Act’s key measures, including the abolition of Section 21 and the introduction of open-ended Assured Periodic Tenancies.
The exact start date will be determined through commencement regulations, which the government is expected to issue in 2026.
These regulations will set the enforcement timeline and clarify how landlords should handle pending tenancy requests made before commencement.
Landlords should therefore prepare now by:
- Removing blanket “no pet” bans from new tenancy agreements.
- Drafting policy templates for handling pet requests consistently.
- Communicating with existing tenants to explain when the new right will take effect.
Once the pet provisions come into force, all landlords in England will be required to comply, regardless of portfolio size.
Practical Steps for Landlords
To adapt to the new legal landscape under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025, landlords should take several practical steps to balance compliance with property protection:
- Update tenancy agreements to include a “request to keep pets” clause.
- Develop a written decision policy for evaluating pet requests fairly.
- Require tenants to provide full details — species, breed, and insurance evidence — before approval.
- Keep communication professional and timely, responding within a reasonable timeframe.
- Maintain documentation of all requests and decisions for legal clarity.
- Review building insurance policies to ensure pets do not invalidate cover.
- Seek professional advice through landlord associations or solicitors if in doubt.
Taking these steps will ensure that landlords remain compliant, avoid disputes, and retain the confidence of both tenants and regulators.
FAQs
Can a landlord still say no to pets?
Yes, but only with a valid reason, for example, if the property type is unsuitable or if insurance or lease restrictions prohibit animals.
Can landlords charge extra rent for pets?
No. Charging additional rent specifically for pets may breach rent control provisions. However, landlords can require pet insurance or a one-off cleaning contribution where lawful.
Will existing tenants gain this right?
Yes. Once the Act commences, all tenants will have the right to request permission, even if their tenancy agreement was signed earlier.
Can a landlord revoke permission later?
Only if the pet becomes a nuisance, causes damage, or breaches the tenancy terms. Proper documentation and evidence will be required.
What if a tenant keeps a pet without permission?
This would constitute a breach of tenancy terms, allowing the landlord to issue a warning or take possession under the revised Section 8 grounds.
Conclusion
The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 marks a new era for pet ownership in the private rented sector. Tenants will have the right to request permission to keep pets, and landlords will need to address each case fairly and transparently.
For landlords, this means adjusting policies, updating agreements, and managing properties with a balance of empathy and practicality.
By embracing these changes, landlords can attract a wider pool of tenants, maintain longer-term relationships, and demonstrate compliance with the spirit of the new law.
The British Landlords Association stands ready to guide members through this transition with templates, legal updates, and expert advice.
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Useful External Links
https://www.gov.uk/private-renting-tenancy-agreements
https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-levelling-up-housing-and-communities
