Renters’ Rights Bill could create 1 million new pet owners
7 months ago | 17 comments
Half a million renters denied pets by landlords – claim
12:01 AM, 25th September 2025, 7 months ago
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Half a million renters claim their landlord unfairly rejected their request to keep a pet, new research claims.
According to Go.Compare, more than three-quarters (79%) of tenants who had a pet request turned down felt the decision was unreasonable, equivalent to around 590,592 households across the country.
Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords will no longer be able to unreasonably deny a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
Concerns about damage to their property
According to the report, around 16% of renters have been denied the chance to keep a pet at home in the past due to landlord preference.
However, Go.Compare points out many landlords refuse a pet. The most common reasons landlords deny pet requests include concerns about damage to their property, risk of nuisance or noise to neighbours, the property not being suitable for a certain pet, and increased insurance costs.
A previous article by Property118 reveals landlords face huge costs if a tenant keeps a pet in their property, which can cost a landlord £305 for a three-stage flea treatment reflecting the lifecycle of a flea, with one District Council in Essex charging landlords £276.00 for one visit.
Nation of animal lovers
Rhys Jones, pet insurance expert at Go.Compare, warns under the bill, landlords will not be able to refuse a pet, and renters can challenge a decision.
He said: “As a nation of animal lovers, it’s a shame that so many renters feel that their landlords have unfairly dismissed their claims to keep a pet at home.
“When it takes effect, the Renters’ Rights Bill should make this process much easier for tenants, because it will mean that landlords need to provide a fair reason why if they want to deny this request from a tenant. Plus, renters will be able to challenge this decision if they think it was unreasonable.”
When asked if they would consider getting a pet once the rules change, just over two-fifths (42%) of renters who previously had a request denied or have not made a request for a pet said they would like to. Close to a quarter (23%) of these included renters who don’t currently own any pets.
Tags:
landlord pet refusa, landlord rules, renters rights, renters rights bill, renting with pets UK, tenants with pets
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Member Since July 2016 - Comments: 166
11:05 AM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
It is not just potential damage that concerns me. I am also concerned about noise and the impact on neighbours, the breed of the animal and whether it will be properly trained, the welfare of the animal if people are out at work all day. If I give permission for my tennant to keep a dog which goes on to hurt someone, will I be held partly responsible?. Allowing people on a low income to take on the financial obligations associated with owning animals is irresponsible. A choice to pay vet bills over rent could render them homeless.
Member Since February 2018 - Comments: 627
11:48 AM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Many new build flats are marketted as ‘pet friendly’, it is grossly unfair to foist pets, especially dogs, on Co leaseholders who may have chosen a property because of the lease covenant prohibiting them, if the freeholder were to abrogate the covenant it would becs derogation if grant and a serious offence, this government is offensive.
Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1431 - Articles: 1
1:02 PM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
I would never rent to tenants with pets and not agree to pets (maybe a goldfish) after they have moved in.
Pet fleas have a horrendously long life as can lay dormant for years and many dogs shut in rooms/kitchens claw at doors with cats shredding carpets.
Only had leaseholds so thankfully Head Leases usually preclude pets.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
2:10 PM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
what’s ‘unfair’ exactly??
The most common reasons landlords deny pet requests include concerns about damage to their property, risk of nuisance or noise to neighbours, the property not being suitable for a certain pet, and increased insurance costs.
All of which can be simply and VERY easily mitigated against if a larger deposit could be taken…after all the tenants can afford a pet to start with right?
oh wait….
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
2:10 PM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Reply to the comment left by moneymanager at 25/09/2025 – 11:48
…look at the small print of these contracts…
Member Since January 2022 - Comments: 97
3:29 PM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
I object to pets, as I have suffered high level of damage due to dogs chewing 120 year old doors and other such damage :/
The tenants attitude was so what.
Most of my properties are flats and I object to pets in a flat without sufficient space and provision for said pets, let alone if a single person, how can they really care for a pet, being shut in / out for long hours.
Nothing unfair at all, its called living within your property life style.
Member Since November 2020 - Comments: 134
8:16 PM, 25th September 2025, About 7 months ago
Generally speaking, much of life is ‘unfair’; deal with it and move on.
In this particular instance, it would be considered ‘unfair’ if landlords allowed pets to some tenants but not to others. Having a blanket refusal to allow pets means that all tenants are treated equally and therefore fairly, without discrimination.
NO TO PETS. It’s my property and I’ll decide who lives in it, thank you very much.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 616
4:37 PM, 26th September 2025, About 6 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Chris H at 25/09/2025 – 15:29
After having the costly experience of repairs as a result of having the dog owners from hell I am in no mood for any more pets in rented properties.
Today I had a taste of what will come with the RRB. I had a request from a lady for a room for herself and her cat.
What would the room be like if the cat lived in the same room with no outside space for say 6 months?