Pets – to consent or not, that’s the question?
2 months ago | 24 comments
How should I respond to a pet request in a no-pets tenancy?
8:01 AM, 20th May 2026, 1 month 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 October 2020 - Comments: 1238
2:53 PM, 20th May 2026, About 1 month ago
It doesnt sound to me ss though you have enough to refuse a pet unless you can point to a superior lease to the one you are issuing banning certain pets.
Member Since September 2022 - Comments: 11
9:58 PM, 20th May 2026, About 1 month ago
Start a Petition and ask the other residents in the block to sign it to register their objections
Member Since April 2020 - Comments: 99
9:28 AM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Laurence Stevens at 20/05/2026 – 21:58
If only for the sake of the poor dog, being left alone in a flat potentially all day. People are selfish or naive sometimes about this.
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 805
9:44 AM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by DP at 21/05/2026 – 09:28
I totally agree. When I asked tenants what the dog would do all day when left in a flat with no garden, they said it would sleep.
I think its cruel and I object. My principals wont allow it. If only I could find an ethical, religious, or some protected characteristic, which would allow my objection
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 470
9:57 AM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by JB at 21/05/2026 – 09:44
What, do they give the dog sleeping tablets when they go to work. These so called animal lovers only care about themselves, just like the ones who let off fireworks and distress the wildlife, which IMO is even worse.
Member Since May 2017 - Comments: 805
10:23 AM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by David at 21/05/2026 – 09:57
They didn’t say thay gave sleeping tablets. The poor dogs quality of life must be awful. Total boredom, in mny opinion, even having a dog walker is insufficient when the owners out all day
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3638 - Articles: 5
3:55 PM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Laurence Stevens at 20/05/2026 – 21:58
…or as part of the reply to the requesting tenant, suggest you will be asking other residents for their input first as it could mean their right to quiet enjoyment is impacted (and as a LL you have to uphold this). You don’t need to show the requesting T the results, but make sure you keep any T feedback as this could be used as evidence to back up a reasonable refusal.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3638 - Articles: 5
3:57 PM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by JB at 21/05/2026 – 09:44
look up RSPCA info and use this as justifiable professional guidance giving you ‘reasonable’ grounds to refuse.
Member Since April 2018 - Comments: 470
4:28 PM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 21/05/2026 – 15:57
RSPCA seem to say tenants) have a right to keep a pet but should consider aspects of the property, discuss with landlord and have pet insurance amongst other things. All very well but as I have said before these so called animal lovers will only consider what they want not the needs of the animal.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3638 - Articles: 5
5:10 PM, 21st May 2026, About 1 month ago
perhaps when tenants make a request as part of the LL initial response when asking for more info is to ask them to consider and respond to these questions?
https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/dog-advice/getting-dog/dog-ready/are-you-dog-ready