A significant change for dog and cat owners in England will take effect from 1 May 2026, marking what experts describe as a genuinely transformative moment for renters. Under the new Renters' Rights Act 2025, landlords across England will be required to handle pet requests in a completely different manner, ending the era of automatic blanket bans on animals in tenancy agreements.
From 1 May 2026, tenants will have a statutory right to request permission to keep a pet. This means that landlords can no longer simply refuse without proper consideration. Dr Kirsten Ronngren, Lead Vet at ManyPets, commented on the development, saying: "With more renters potentially welcoming a dog into their home, it's a positive moment, but it's important that new pet parents go in with realistic expectations."
Dr Ronngren added: "Certain breeds can be more straightforward for first-time owners in terms of trainability or exercise needs, but I'd always caveat that with the fact that every dog is an individual. A breed that suits one household perfectly may not work for another, so it's key to do your research and be honest about your lifestyle before choosing."
While landlords retain the right to refuse permission in specific circumstances, any refusal must now be assessed carefully, justified clearly, and handled within defined legal timeframes. Importantly, under the Act, landlords cannot charge a separate pet deposit or impose additional pet-related fees. However, the existing tenancy deposit can still be used to cover any damage beyond fair wear and tear at the end of the tenancy.
Dr Ronngren also emphasised the importance of financial planning: "Whatever breed you choose, planning your finances is an important part of preparation. Researching common health conditions for the breeds you're interested in can be helpful in considering what may be a problem down the road. I find this aids pet parents in having a plan in place including insurance, savings, etc."
The statutory right to request a pet applies once the tenancy has commenced. A ManyPets spokesperson hailed the change: "This is a genuinely significant moment for dog parents renting in England. For years, renters have faced an impossible choice between the home they need and the dog they love. This law removes the power landlords had to just say no without reason."
The spokesperson advised: "Our advice to any dog parent looking to use these new rights is to be prepared. Put together a pet CV for your dog, include details of their breed, age, training, and any vet references. The more responsible you can demonstrate yourself to be as a pet parent, the harder it is for a landlord to refuse."
