Renting with pets
I’m a tenant with a pet or wanting a pet: everything you need to know.
Changes in the law mean renting with pets is becoming easier - but what you need to do will depend on your situation and where in the UK you live.
Whether you already have a pet and are looking for a new home, or you want to ask permission to have a pet in your current home, we’re here to help you understand your options and next steps.
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I already have a pet and need to find a pet-friendly rental
If you already have a pet, focus on finding the right home where pets are welcome. Keep reading for our advice and resources, to help you have the best chance of finding a pet-friendly property.
Filter for pet-friendly properties
Search for pet-friendly properties upfront — most property websites have the option to filter for properties that allow pets.
But this doesn’t rule out other properties. If a property isn’t advertised as pet-friendly, it is still worth asking. Landlords may consider …
Create a Pet CV
Pet CVs help show landlords that you are a responsible pet owner and that you would make a great tenant. This can support them to feel confident renting to you and your pet.
Your Pet CV should include information on your pet’s:
- personality …
Provide a pet reference
If possible, ask a previous landlord for a ‘pet reference’, to show that your pet did not cause any problems in your previous home.
You could also provide your previous landlord’s details in the relevant section of the Pet CV.
Be ready to share information
When you are applying for a home, landlords may ask questions to help them reach a decision. This could include things like how long you plan to leave your pet alone, or when they last received preventative flea and worming treatment.
By preparing responses to …
I don’t have a pet, but I want to request permission for one
If you already rent a home and would like to get a pet, you will need to request permission from your landlord first. Do not bring a pet into your home before your landlord has given permission, as this could cause issues with your tenancy.
By following the steps below, and by using the resources provided, you will have everything you need to support your request. How your landlord responds to that request, however, may depend on where you are in the UK.
Current rules:
England
You can request permission to have a pet, and your landlord must not unreasonably refuse.
Landlords must respond in writing within 28 days.
Find out more about your rights
Scotland
New legislation will come into force soon.
For now, you can request permission to have a pet and negotiate with your landlord if needed. We recommend using our resources to support your request and checking back here for updates.
Wales
You can request permission to have a pet, and your landlord must not unreasonably refuse.
Northern Ireland
You can request permission to have a pet, but there is no specific legislation setting out how landlords must respond.
When asking a landlord for a pet, permission must be requested in writing. With this in mind, make a great first impression by providing your landlord with all the information they need.
Requesting permission to get a pet from your landlord
Understand your rights
Being clear on the rules above means that you know your rights and responsibilities when requesting to have a pet. Ensure you have read this, then use our advice and resources below to maximise your chance of being approved for a pet.
Prepare your request
A clearly written request helps your landlord understand your plans and shows that you are a responsible pet owner.
In your request, make sure to include:
- why you would like a pet
- how you will …
Create a Pet CV (Highly recommended!)
Even if you don’t yet have a pet, you can still create a Pet CV. This helps you to demonstrate that you are both responsible and prepared as this document will tell your landlord all about the type of pet you are looking for, what their routines will likely be, and how you …
Be ready for questions
When applying, landlords may ask questions to help them reach a decision. By preparing responses to some of these common questions in advance, you can show your landlord that you care for your pet responsibly.
Questions might …
Get confirmation in writing
If your request is approved, always ask for written confirmation — email is best, but texts or letters are fine too.
Frequently asked questions
Can landlords charge more rent to tenants with pets?
No. In England, landlords must rent properties at the advertised price. Any additional payment would likely be a banned fee, and your landlord could be subject to a financial penalty.
This means you cannot be charged extra rent just because you have a pet.
Can landlords ask for an extra pet deposit?
No separate pet deposit can be charged.
Any damage must be covered by the standard tenancy deposit, which is capped at:
- 5 weeks’ rent in England, or 6 weeks’ if the total annual rent is more than £50,000
- 2 months’ rent in Scotland
- 1 month’s rent in Northern Ireland.
In Wales, there is no legal cap, but deposits are usually around 4–5 weeks’ rent.
All deposits must be protected in a tenancy deposit scheme.
Are assistance dogs and emotional support animals treated as pets?
Assistance dogs are not classed as pets. They are protected under the Equality Act 2010.
This means landlords must consider making reasonable adjustments to allow an assistance dog. While permission should still be requested, refusing without good reason may be unlawful.
Emotional support animals are classed as pets but can still be very important to wellbeing. In these cases, it’s helpful to:
- Use our resources (e.g. the pet CV and a pet reference) when making a request
- Explain the role the animal plays in your life
What if my landlord refuses my request for a pet?
Your options depend on where you live:
England
If a refusal seems unreasonable, you may be able to challenge it. A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will handle these cases in future. For now, you can take a claim to the County Court.
Wales
You can challenge an unreasonable refusal through the County Court.
Northern Ireland
There is currently no formal appeal process. We recommend trying to negotiate and showing you can be a responsible pet owner.
Scotland
Once the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 is in force, you will be able to apply to the Housing and Property Chamber of the First Tier Tribunal. This is free. Further guidance will be published by the Scottish Government.
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