How should I respond to a pet request in a no-pets tenancy?

The dogs trust seems to have some good information about caring for a dog and the RSPCA estimates the costs of owning various pets.
There’s 2 types of insurance needed, one for damage to the property and another for the pets medical needs. Owning a dog, in particular, is not cheap. I’ve no doubt we will see more abandoned pets after the initial euphoria has passed – like with covid

Reply to the comment left by E Saunders at 23/05/2026 – 09:54
Regarding cross contamination are you able to induce a nut allergy simply by walking in a communal area where nuts have been dropped? You can however induce a dog allergy by breathing in fur particles. I know an electrician who says to potential clients he is allergic to dogs/cats and will not work in the property, which is what all trades should make clear whatever their allergy. Should you even be a cleaner if you have allergies , especially with some of the rentals which are left in a lethal state. Sadly it may come to the point where landlords will have to put up notices that this property may contain nuts!
Would not be great for the hospital/care home if patients start dying from contact with therapy animals and with the UK becoming more litigious this could be a major issue for landlords.

Reply to the comment left by JB at 11:16
You’ll get told “it’s against their human rights” to tell them they cannot afford a pet

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 23/05/2026 – 10:58
But not against landlord’s human rights .You rent my property these are the house rules.

It costs on average in the UK
£2000 a year to have a Dog and £1500 a year to have a Cat.
Dogs can bark and howl all day and night when left alone.
The RRA and Pet Policy is a disaster from day one

Reply to the comment left by DAMIEN RAFFERTY at 24/05/2026 – 12:49
I would say that £2000/yr for a dog might be a conservative estimate.
If the animal has to be taken to the vet most policies will not pay all the bill and the premiums will Increase as the dog gets older.

About six years ago one of my tenants had to pay £3,000 of a £6,000 vet bill when her dog had to have a hip operation.
As a consequence she could not pay her rent and we had to make arrangements for her to spread that rent over the following 3 months.

This could become a problem

Thanks to everyone that replied to my question.
We have put together a list of rejections based mostly on the welfare of the dog, and secondly on the probable nuisance to other tenants.
We have carpeted hallways with no facility to wash dogs paws before entering the building (I know from my own experience, my dog has to have his paws washed everytime we walk him in the winter months.)
I will update this site with progress.
Thank you all again.

Reply to the comment left by Robert Needham at 01/06/2026 – 12:27
You are our guinea pig (excuse the pun) and the 1st on p118 to test the RRA on this. I look forward to hearing how you get on, Good Luck

Reply to the comment left by Robert Needham at 01/06/2026 – 12:27
Could we see that list please.I understand there is only one valid objection and that is if a resident has allergies.I appreciate your concern about the carpets but I think a lawyer would say do the other residents wash their muddy shoes before entering.

Reply to the comment left by David at 01/06/2026 – 20:07
You can wipe shoes on a door mat and rubber doesn’t tend to absorb wet like paws and fur and people do not shake wet off everywhere normally. Also there is nothing worse than wet dog in a flat unless the owners are very particular in their management of this issue. It can be very smelly once it gets into carpets. I think it’s only ok if the tenant provides the carpets and decor.