Pets – to consent or not, that’s the question?
1 month ago | 24 comments
How should I respond to a pet request in a no-pets tenancy?
8:01 AM, 20th May 2026, 16 hours ago
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Hello all, we have just received a request for a pet (dog) in our apartment block. The tenant has been with us for less than a year, and their original contract stated ‘No Pets’.
We have a complete block of 14 flats, which has carpeted hallways and zero amenity space. The closest green space is 1 mile away. The block is situated in a town centre and is not good for the welfare of pets, especially for a working couple.
What is our best action and response to this request, given the new renters’ rights rules? Does anyone know the official position that the RSPCA and Dogs Trust are taking on this subject?
Thanks,
Robert
Editor’s Note: The government have published guidance on what landlords need to do when their tenant requests a pet. The guidance can be found here >> https://www.gov.uk/assured-tenancy-agreements-a-guide-for-landlords/if-a-tenant-wants-a-pet-to-live-with-them
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Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 399
9:45 AM, 20th May 2026, About 14 hours ago
Check the lease, if it says no pets, refer them to the freeholder. How crazy, they are a working couple so how can they guarantee the dog will not bark all day and disturb other residents and destroy your property. Flats are really not suitable for dogs which could mean you might have to give them notice if you get complaints.Or just say yes but the rent will need to rise by 10%.
Member Since March 2015 - Comments: 125
9:49 AM, 20th May 2026, About 14 hours ago
It’s fairly likely the headlease stipulates no pets – or as you have said yourself, you don’t consider that a flat with no outside space is suitable for a dog – unless of course they are going to pay for the services of a dog walker.
Member Since August 2023 - Comments: 5
10:03 AM, 20th May 2026, About 14 hours ago
If it does come down to letting them have a pet, make sure they buy the extra insurance for damage done by the pet.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1478 - Articles: 1
10:21 AM, 20th May 2026, About 14 hours ago
As you are the freeholder your headlease should marry the leases to prohibit pets.
Plenty of reasonable reasons include
Other flats residents have allergies to pets
The cleaners of the communal areas may have allergies to pets
The flat is not suitable in size or facilities for a pet
Your tradespeople have allergies to pets
If left on their own during the working day a dog is likely to be a vocal nuisance to other residents and visitors
I’m sure others will have more reasonable reasons for refusal.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3577 - Articles: 5
10:39 AM, 20th May 2026, About 14 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Charles Baldwin at 20/05/2026 – 10:03
you cant insist on this, and neither can you check if they even say they have it. Or they can get it then cancel in 14 days. Remember not your pet or your policy so you cant make a claim on it even it it were to exist.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2019 - Articles: 21
11:02 AM, 20th May 2026, About 13 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 09:45
You cannot put the rent up as condition of giving consent. By saying “Yes” subject to conditions, you are saying Yes. The tenant may turn around and say they will not pay extra and then challenge you if you then try to refuse consent.
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 783
11:16 AM, 20th May 2026, About 13 hours ago
Is it possible to evaluate the cost of a pet and consider if their income is enough to cover this and their rent?
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 399
1:21 PM, 20th May 2026, About 11 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 20/05/2026 – 11:02
So what’s the answer?
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 399
1:24 PM, 20th May 2026, About 11 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 20/05/2026 – 10:21
My feelings exactly, but if it went to a tribunal/court would you not be asked to wheel out those people to prove they have allergies, or say they do want a dog as a neighbour, which may not be so easy.It does seem madness but so is the RRA.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3577 - Articles: 5
1:59 PM, 20th May 2026, About 10 hours ago
Reply to the comment left by JB at 20/05/2026 – 11:16
yes possible. but how would you know their current income? You COULD ask them to provide evidence to show that they can show they can afford a dog. You could use the info showing the costs for having a dog (see pet charity websites and RSPCA) and also ask then how they are planning to look after it when they are out all day working etc.
Basically you can ask them to provide answers to the reasonable questions that you would expect any would be pet owner, to be asking themselves.