Can Tenants Keep a Pet Now? The New Rules for Renters in Putney Explained

Research by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection found that 46% of landlords said they allowed pets, while only 30% of tenants said their rental agreement permitted dogs and 32% said cats were allowed. Since 1 May 2026, tenants in many private assured tenancies have had a route for requesting a pet.

What the New Pet Rules Say

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 implies a pet-request term into assured tenancies, excluding social housing. A tenant can ask permission for a pet, and the landlord must not unreasonably refuse. This is a right to request, not an automatic right to keep any animal without consent. The request must be made in writing and include a description of the pet. 

The landlord has 28 days to reply in writing. If further information is reasonably requested, the final response can be delayed until 7 days after that information is supplied, or until the end of the original 28-day period, whichever is later. A tenant who does not provide requested information may not receive a decision. 

When Can a Landlord Refuse?

A refusal needs a fair, property-specific reason. Examples include a superior lease prohibiting pets, another resident having a serious allergy, the property being unsuitable for a large animal, or the pet being illegal to own. General dislike of pets, previous problems with another tenant’s animal, or vague concerns about possible damage will usually not be enough. 

Landlords cannot require tenants to buy pet insurance or charge an additional pet fee. Pet damage can be claimed from the protected tenancy deposit, subject to the usual evidence and deposit rules. Our deposit protection scheme page explains the process. 

If consent is given, the landlord cannot later withdraw it simply by changing the tenancy agreement. A request is needed for an additional pet. If a request is refused and the tenant believes the reason is unreasonable, they can complain to the landlord or ask the court to enforce the statutory term. 

The new right applies to most existing assured tenancies that became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026, as well as new assured periodic tenancies. It does not generally cover lodgers, social housing tenants or people living in student halls. Prospective tenants do not have the same statutory request process before a tenancy is granted, so it remains sensible to raise a pet early when searching for properties to let.

Support for Tenants and Landlords

Tenants can review our tenant information and guide to renting. Landlords should keep written requests, responses and reasons for decisions.

Our full management service is advertised at 13%, currently exempt from VAT, with no referral fees added to contractors’ invoices. Other charges are listed on the additional fees page. A letting only service is also available. 

Further guidance appears in our guide to letting, landlords page, testimonials page, rental yield calculator and blog.

Browse available rentals in Putney and Wandsworth or contact us on 020 8870 5800.