Renters’ Rights Act could unlock millions of homes for renters with pets

I don’t think this will be as widespread as the government think and they are creating an expectation they can’t deliver (no change there).
Most flats contain a clause in the lease which prevents pets and so the landlord can not give consent. Nor can the Freeholder or Management Companies who have responsibility for enforcing the terms of the lease on behalf of other leaseholders. There is case law which would prevent this

Houses… Yes, but the millions who live in flats are going to be disappointed although in truth it would be better for the government to get their dangerous flats remediated (unless they hope lassie will drag her owner out when the block catches fire)

What about the 69% of tenants who just sneaked pets in without telling landlords.

I’m a LL, I love animals, and it wouldn’t affect my judgement if a prospective tenant arrived with a well behaved dog. But that’s me.
I now plan to move into rented accommodation myself.
So, If I turn up with equal qualifications as the next man, except I come with a dog. Who are they going to choose? There’s only one answer.
Helpfull comments on how I can overcome this problem would be welcome, please.

Reply to the comment left by Tim Peters at 01/05/2026 – 10:10
It would be really helpful, and kind, if you could post a link to any block freeholder/management case law for refusing pets please.
It may also be, I presume, applicable for leasehold houses?

what if the freehold property is personally owned by 2 separate owners/landlords (husband and wife, son and wife, two sisters?) If one objects then the other cannot legally give consent without the explicit consent of the other???

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 01/05/2026 – 10:36
First I don’t think nk it would apply to houses unless there is some element of common occupancy.

The Supreme Court [Duval v11-13 Randolph Crescent [2020] uksc18 is a case which confirmed tgat where a Freeholder is bound by a covenant to enforce the terms of a lease against other tenants of the building, and where there exists a prohibition in the lease, the Freeholder can not grant permission. Doing so would be a breach of the Freeholder’s covenant to the other leaseholders.

Even the Government website says that where pets are prohibited by a superior landlord, that is a valid reason for the landlord to refuse permission.

I simple terms, if 100 people buy flats in a building that does not permit pets you can’t overrule the rights of the 99 just to satisfy the one who does

It isn’t about whether the pet is well behaved, or the Freeholder likes dogs, the Freeholder can not make that change as they have a duty to the other leaseholders

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 01/05/2026 – 10:50
Yes basically. To allow pets you would have to vary the lease and 100% of leaseholders would gave to agree to that (and consider if making that change would increase or reduce the value of their property)

We rent HMOs and will not be giving permission for cats or dogs for a number of reasons all of which should be obvious. As far as single households in concerned, what about households where no one is at home during the day? Leaving a dog alone is unfair on the animal which can suffer stress caused by boredom, separation anxiety and lack of exercise. Aside from the toll on the animal stressed dogs can bark constantly which is unfair on neighbours.

Reply to the comment left by Marlena Topple at 02/05/2026 – 13:53
It’s not obvious to those in this government who wrote the rules. Thankfully Labour is finished.I am also concerned about health reasons, mine, contractors and new tenants. I called by to see ex tenants, both out at work and a dog was going berserk inside. When they left the door frames had been badly chewed. But home or not some tenants let their animals do exactly what they want to ruin your property as if it’s a God given right.Would they allow the same if they owned the property!Why should we allow it and is all this against our human rights.

Reply to the comment left by Marlena Topple at 13:53
As a person who loves dogs, I agree, but if they’re responsible owners where someone is home all day, I don’t have a problem. But as you say, there are too many people who leave their animals alone at home for long periods of time and then think that on their return that it’s fine to simply let the dog out in the garden. That’s cruelty and I would never entertain them.