Ignored a Pet Request? You Could Be Breaking the Law

Ignored a Pet Request? You Could Be Breaking the Law

The Renters Rights Bill 2025 introduces new responsibilities for landlords and property managers that you can’t afford to ignore.

One of the most underestimated—but legally risky—changes is around tenant pet requests.

If you ignore or wrongly deny a pet request, you’re no longer just being ‘difficult.’ You could be breaking the law.

In this post, we break down your legal obligations, what you can and can’t refuse, and how to handle pet requests the right way.

Why Pet Rules Have Changed

The Government wants to make rented homes feel like real homes. That includes the right to have a pet.

Tenants now have a legal right to request to keep a pet, and landlords must consider the request fairly and reasonably.

You can no longer say “No pets allowed” as a blanket policy.

What the Law Now Requires

1. Requests Must Be Considered Within 42 Days
   Landlords or agents must respond to any written pet request within 42 days.
2. You Must Provide a Valid Reason to Refuse
   You can only refuse if there are justifiable reasons such as:

• Building insurance restrictions
• Health and safety risks
• Pet size/type unsuited to the property

1. You May Request Pet Insurance
   Landlords can ask the tenant to get pet insurance to cover potential damages.

What You Can’t Do

• Ignore the Request
  Silence is non-compliance. It will be assumed you refused unfairly.
• Apply a Blanket Ban
  Saying “No pets” on principle is no longer valid.
• Deny Without Evidence
  If you deny a pet request, you must show why it’s not reasonable or viable.

Real Risks of Non-Compliance

1. Tenant Complaint to Ombudsman
   The new Landlord Ombudsman has the power to investigate pet-related refusals.
2. Legal Challenge
   A tenant could pursue legal action on the basis of discrimination or unreasonable treatment.
3. Rent Repayment Orders
   If the refusal is deemed unlawful, tenants may be entitled to rent back payments.
4. Reputational Harm
   Tenant forums and public databases may flag you as a “non-compliant landlord.”

How to Handle Pet Requests Properly

1. Have a Pet Policy Document Ready
   Outline clear, fair guidelines and acceptable pet criteria.
2. Respond Within 42 Days
   Acknowledge and decide on requests promptly. Automate reminders if needed.
3. Request Pet Details
   Ask for breed, size, temperament, insurance confirmation, and vet records.
4. Document Everything
   Use digital platforms like Inspect360 to log:

• Requests
• Communications
• Final decisions

1. Update Tenancy Agreements
   Reflect permissions or restrictions with clear terms about responsibility for damages.

Case Study: A Costly Refusal

A landlord denied a tenant’s request to keep a small dog. No reason was provided. The tenant filed a complaint with the Ombudsman.

Result?

• £1,500 in rent repayment
• Mandatory apology
• Requirement to update policies across portfolio

Don’t let this happen to you.

Action Checklist

• Review and update your tenancy agreements
• Create a fair and transparent pet policy
• Train your staff and agents on proper response times
• Use CRCM certification to ensure your processes meet the new law
• Log every pet request in your inspection/compliance software

Why This Matters Now

The pet clause may seem minor — but it’s a major legal liability if handled poorly.

Tenants are now educated. They know their rights. And if you break the rules, they know where to go: the Ombudsman and the Tribunal.

Don’t give them a reason.

Get Certified and Stay Safe

The Certified Rental Compliance Manager (CRCM) course walks you through exactly how to handle these legal changes, including pet requests, in a systemised and compliant way.

You’ll get:

• Pet request response templates
• Fair refusal checklists
• Real case examples
• Legal frameworks explained
• Access to Inspect360’s logging tools

---