Pet Policies Are Evolving – Are You Prepared?
The rules around pets in rental properties are changing — and whether you’re a landlord or thinking of selling a tenanted property, it’s important to understand what the new expectations mean for you.
With the Renters Reform Bill moving through Parliament, landlords across North and West London — from Golders Green to Ealing — are asking the same question:
“Will I still be able to say no to pets?”
Let’s break it down.
📜 What Does the Current Law Say?
As of September 2025, landlords in England can still refuse pets, but…
- The Renters Reform Bill includes a default right for tenants to request to keep a pet
- Landlords must respond in writing within 42 days
- Refusals must be based on reasonable grounds, not just personal preference
- Tenants can challenge unfair refusals
- Landlords may require pet insurance to cover potential damage
⚠️ What Was Proposed — And What Was Rejected?
There was a proposal to allow landlords to charge an additional “pet deposit” (up to 3 weeks’ rent). This was rejected by the Government during the September 2025 debate.
👉 That means:
❌ No extra deposits for pets allowed
✅ The standard 5-week deposit cap still applies
Instead, landlords are encouraged to request pet damage insurance as part of the tenancy agreement.
🧠 What This Means for You as a Landlord
You can still refuse pets, but only with valid reasons, such as:
- Lease restrictions (e.g., head lease bans pets in leasehold flats)
- Allergy concerns (e.g., future occupants with medical documentation)
- Unsuitability of the property (e.g., very small space or no outdoor access)
- Insurance policies or mortgage terms that specifically prohibit pets
However, refusing pets without giving a good reason could put you at risk of a formal challenge or tribunal case.
🏘️ What This Means for You as a Vendor
If you’re selling a tenanted property, pet-related issues may now:
- Affect the saleability of the property
- Create complications during viewings (e.g., tenant has large dog in flat)
- Influence future rental value depending on whether pets are permitted or not
Buyers will want clarity: Is the tenant allowed to have pets? Can they be restricted in future?
✅ How to Prepare
Here’s what we recommend for landlords and vendors:
- 📄 Update your tenancy agreements – include clauses about pets and pet insurance requirements
- 💬 Prepare a written policy for responding to pet requests — this saves time later
- 🐕 Request pet references — including from previous landlords
- 🧾 Consider adding pet damage insurance as a requirement
- 🧠 Understand the long-term implications — rejecting pets outright is no longer a simple option
📍 Real Scenarios in London
- Colindale flat landlord: Tenant requested a cat. Landlord agreed after receiving proof of neutering, flea treatment, and pet insurance. The tenancy was extended for another 18 months.
- Finchley maisonette: Tenant brought in a dog without asking. Landlord issued a Section 8 notice under breach of tenancy. The case was escalated due to lack of clear pet policy.
- Ealing vendor: Selling with pet-owning tenant in place. Buyer backed out due to concerns about future wear & tear. New buyer was secured after professional deep clean and pet policy clarification.
🤝 Need Support Navigating the New Pet Rules?
At Highwood Estates, we help landlords and vendors:
- Create clear, fair pet policies
- Update tenancy agreements in line with new regulations
- Avoid unnecessary disputes while protecting your investment
- Sell tenanted properties with clarity and confidence
📞 Contact us for a free consultation or compliance review.
