Becoming a pet friendly landlord: what you need to know

I'm a landlord: everything you need to know about renting to pet owners.

Doodles resting on the sofa at home

We know that renting to tenants with pets can feel like a big decision.

But many landlords across the UK are already successfully renting to pet owners. With the right approach and support, it can work well for you too.

We’re here to help you understand your rights and responsibilities as a landlord, feel confident in welcoming tenants with pets, and take simple steps to manage this in a way that works for you and your tenants.

Benefits of renting to pet owners

Welcoming pets is a way of being an inclusive landlord, and shows that you recognise the many physical, mental and social benefits pets give to their owners.

Research (Battersea, 2024) has also found that tenants with pets often stay longer in their homes, meaning:
- fewer void periods
- lower expenses associated with re-letting costs  
- lessened impact of new open-ended tenancies.

The same research also found that in the rare occasions pet related damage occurred, it was on average less expensive than other types of damage.

Read the research paper

New rules and what they mean for you

Laws vary depending on where you are in the UK.

Under the Renters' Rights Act, tenants in England can now request permission to have a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse. 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 (note that XL Bully type dogs are not necessarily illegal to own, but need the right paperwork - see FAQs below)
- if you’re a leaseholder, and your freeholder does not allow pets
- if you know the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog.

It will not usually be reasonable 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.

Read the full legislation on the Government's website

In Scotland, the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 will come into force soon and the Scottish Government will issue guidance on reasonable and unreasonable refusal. 

In Wales, tenants can request permission to have a pet and you must not unreasonably refuse.

In Northern Ireland, tenants can still request permission, and you should consider requests fairly.

Is there a risk pets could cause damage?

Research by Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and the University of Huddersfield, found that pet-related damage is uncommon and usually low cost.

They found:
-    76% of landlords reported no pet-related damage 
-    where damage did occur, it was lower on average than non-pet household damage.

Read the research paper

How to reduce the risk of damage

You can feel more confident by:

-    using our owner agreement to set expectations early
-    completing an inventory of the property at the start and end of the tenancy 
-    considering insurance that includes pet damage cover.

If damage does occur, it can be claimed through the tenancy deposit (with evidence). In rare cases where the deposit does not cover the full costs, these can be recovered through the courts.

What about noise concerns?

Research by Battersea Dogs and Cats Home and the University of Huddersfield found that 84% of landlords did not experience noise or neighbour complaints linked to pets. 

Read the research paper

Ways to manage concerns

You can:
-    ask for a pet reference from a previous landlord 
-    set clear expectations early using our owner agreement
-    signpost tenants to support if needed.

You can also advise dog owners to access our free Behaviour Support Line if they need help with behaviour concerns.

How to manage renting with pets: A step-by-step guide

What does a request involve?

Tenants should make requests in writing and provide you with a description of their pet(s). 

Though tenants are not required to provide specific information about their pet, you can ask for details on microchipping, neutering, training and vet registration if it will help you reach a decision. Our Pet CV can be used to assist with finding out this information. 

If you own property in England:

- a decision must be reached within 28 days
- requests must be considered on their own merits and general views on pets cannot be applied when reaching a decision
- any refusal to grant permission to have a pet must be provided to the tenant in writing
- reasons for refusal should be provided in the decision.

Follow this guidance, issued by the UK Government, when making a decision on pet permission. Once a pet permission request has been approved, you can no longer change your mind.

If you own property in Scotland, keep an eye on this page as the Scottish Government will issue guidance on managing pet permission requests soon.

What steps should you take?

Following the steps below can help you to make an informed decision and feel confident when renting to tenants with pets.

  1. 1

    Advertise your property as pet friendly (where possible)

    Proactively advertising your property as ‘pet friendly’ or ‘pets considered’ can:-    attract more applicants -    help you gather information about pets early -    reduce uncertainty further down the line in...
    Show details

    Proactively advertising your property as ‘pet friendly’ or ‘pets considered’ can:
    -    attract more applicants 
    -    help you gather information about pets early 
    -    reduce uncertainty further down the line in the letting process.

    When current or prospective tenants request permission for a pet, ask them to fill in a Pet CV. This will help you:
    -    learn more about a tenant’s pet 
    -    feel confident that they are a responsible owner 
    -    assess any potential risks

  2. 2

    Request a pet reference

    Where possible, you can ask for a pet reference from a previous landlord, which can help you confirm:

    - whether any pet related damage occurred 
    - whether there were any complaints.

  3. 3

    Assess the request fairly

    Each request should be considered on its own merits. To do this, you may wish to take into account:-    the size and type of property -    the number and type of pets -    the tenant’s ability to meet the...
    Show details

    Each request should be considered on its own merits. To do this, you may wish to take into account:
    -    the size and type of property 
    -    the number and type of pets 
    -    the tenant’s ability to meet the pet’s needs.

    Assessment on a case-by-case basis helps to support fair and informed decisions.

  4. 4

    Provide your decision in writing

    Providing your decision in writing is always recommended. It helps:
    -    keep a clear record 
    -    sets expectations for both parties

    If refusing a request, make sure to do so in writing whilst explaining your reasons clearly.

  5. 5

    Set clear expectations

    If you approve a pet, setting expectations early can help prevent issues later. Asking owners to read and sign a pet owner agreement can make expectations around responsibilities clear. This can help outline:-    responsibilities for pet...
    Show details

    If you approve a pet, setting expectations early can help prevent issues later. 

    Asking owners to read and sign a pet owner agreement can make expectations around responsibilities clear. 

    This can help outline:
    -    responsibilities for pet care 
    -    set expectations around behaviour and property condition.

    Download our pet owner agreement 

Frequently asked questions

I have a leasehold property – do I have to accept pets?

Check the terms of your lease first.

If your lease (from the freeholder) does not allow pets, you can refuse a request on this basis.

If a tenant already has a pet, do they need permission for another?

Yes. A new request should be made for any additional pet.

If multiple pets are requested at the same time, details for each pet should be provided and you should consider each one individually.

Where pets are already part of the household and the tenant can care for them responsibly, we would generally encourage granting permission.

Can I allow pets in an HMO property?

Yes, but it’s important to consider other tenants.

As spaces are shared, it’s good practice to:
- check with other tenants 
- get their views in writing where possible. 

This helps you make a fair and informed decision.

How do I decide if a property is suitable for a pet?

The best approach is to look at each request individually.

Most property types can be suitable, including high-rise flats, flats without private gardens or outdoor space and properties with communal entrances or gardens. The key is whether the tenant can meet the pet’s needs.

You might consider:
- whether there is enough space 
- can the pet be taken out for regular toilet breaks
- how the pet will be exercised and cared for 
- the pet’s routine and behaviour.

Tenants will usually know their pet best, so their input can help you make the right decision.

Is there a recommended limit on the number of pets?

As a general guide, we suggest around two pets.

However, flexibility is important. Some animals (like rabbits) need to live in pairs, and many owners can responsibly care for more than one pet.

The focus should be on whether:
- the pets’ welfare needs can be met
- the tenant can manage them responsibly.

For multiple pets, it’s helpful if tenants can provide separate space if needed.

What should I do if a tenant has a pet without permission?

If you discover a tenant has a pet without permission, it may be appropriate to grant retrospective permission - especially if there have been no issues.
If there are concerns, a supportive approach can help. 

You could:
- speak with the tenant to understand the situation 
- signpost them to relevant advice or support 
- for dog owners, our Behaviour Support Line can be a helpful resource.

Can I give permission for an XL Bully type dog?

Yes, in some cases.

It is not illegal to own an exempted banned breed (such as an XL Bully type dog), as long as the owner meets the requirements of the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991, which can be found on the UK Government's website.

You can ask to see a Certificate of Exemption as part of your decision.
As these dogs cannot legally be rehomed or transferred, it may be appropriate to grant permission where requirements are met.

Are assistance animals treated the same as pets?

No. Assistance dogs have additional legal protection under the Equality Act 2010.

This means:
- tenants should still request permission
- you may need to make reasonable adjustments (which will likely differ from case-to-case)
- refusing without good reason could be unlawful.

What is considered “reasonable” will depend on the situation but could mean granting permission.

Emotional support animals are not legally recognised in the same way, but they can be very important to their owners. In these cases, it can be helpful to:
- ask tenants to fill out our Pet CV
- consider the request carefully.

What should I do if I’m concerned about a pet’s welfare?

If you’re worried about an animal’s welfare, it’s important to report it to the right organisation:
- the RSPCA in England and Wales
- the Scottish SPCA in Scotland
- the local council in Northern Ireland.

They can assess the situation and take appropriate action.

Need more support?

If you’d like to learn more about the latest legislation and the benefits of renting to pet owners, read our guide for private landlords.

We also offer pet information packs covering the six main pet species. These include practical advice on meeting pets’ welfare needs and where to go for extra support — helpful for both you and your tenants.

If you have any questions about welcoming pet owners into your home, or would like to request a pet information pack, we’re here to help. 
 

Email our Pet Friendly Housing team

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