As part of the broad reforms introduced in the Renters Rights Bill, a significant shift is proposed in how landlords handle tenant requests to keep pets in rented homes.

Landlords Consent And Pet Requests 

Traditionally, landlords have had full discretion to allow or prohibit pets, often including “no pets” clauses or requiring written consent within tenancy agreements. 

Under the proposed Bill, the default position will change. Tenants will have the right to request to keep a pet, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse such requests.  

Responding To Pet Requests

When a tenant submits a formal request to keep a pet, landlords should:

• Consider the request in a fair and timely manner
• Provide a clear response to the tenant
• Keep a written record of the decision and the reasons for it 

The Bill proposes an amendment to The Tenant Fees Act 2019, allowing landlords to require tenants to hold pet insurance as a permitted payment to cover potential damage.  

Tenancy Compliance And Pet Requests 

Property includes a catalogue of Residential Tenancy Compliance Documents including letters dealing with a pet requests.