Yes, UK landlords can refuse pets if they have a legitimate reason, but must be open to tenant requests for pets. With the changing Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords cannot impose a blanket ban on pets in rental properties.
If a tenant requests to have a pet in a rental property, landlords need to consider this fairly. They can reject the request if they have a legitimate reason or increase the tenant deposit to cover any potential damage caused by the pet.
As a landlord, it can be difficult to keep up with protocol. If you’re unsure about tenants’ rights and what landlords can legally refuse, talk to our team today. At J Property Management London, we help landlords across the UK understand their legal responsibilities and keep up with compliance and protocol. Contact us today!
Is it Illegal for Landlords to Refuse Pets?
It is not technically illegal for landlords to refuse pets but the law has been changing to make it easier for private tenants to keep pets in their rentals. The right to have pets is at the landlord’s discretion but they are not allowed to impose a blanket ban on keeping pets in their properties. Landlords should always be open to receiving requests for pets from tenants.
While landlords can refuse pets in their rentals, there has to be a legitimate reason to do so. They also must provide a written, documented refusal. If tenants believe that the refusal is unreasonable, they can challenge the decision.
Why Could Landlords Refuse Pets?
There are many reasons why landlords may prefer not have pets in their property including:
- Damage or wear and tear to the property
- The property is unsuitable for pets (e.g. too small)
- Increased insurance prices (due to add-ons for pet damage)
- Added noise for neighbours
- Pets not permitted by the freeholder
- Allergies of other tenants
- Infestation of fleas or ticks.
If the tenant thinks the landlord is being unreasonable, they have the right to challenge them.
How Will the Renters’ Rights Bill Affect Landlord Refusal of Pets?
The idea of the Renters’ Rights Bill is to improve tenant living conditions including safer and fairer rentals. It also lays out new rules when it comes to pets, making it easier for tenants to bring their pet into a rental.
As part of the new bill, landlords will no longer be able to issue a blanket ban on tenants having pets inside the rental. Tenants have the right to ask the landlord for permission to live with pets in the rental and landlords cannot “unreasonably” refuse.
When tenants request their pet to live with them, they must also provide assurance to the landlord that they will pay for any damages caused by the pet and have insurance in place for their pets.
Landlords need to decide if tenants can bring their pet within 28 days after the request has been made. If the landlord is still waiting for further information – such as vet reports – they can delay the date by a week. For leaseholds, landlords may need additional consent from the freeholder.
For a tenant to bring their pet to live in the rental, they’ll need written permission from the landlord.
Until the Renters’ Rights Bill comes fully into effect, landlords can continue to ban tenants from keeping pets at their property.
Can Landlords Charge More For Tenants with Pets?
Yes, landlords can choose to charge higher rent for tenants with pets to cover damage, wear or tear or add-ons for pet insurance. There is no fixed rate and this is at the tenant’s discretion.
Landlords are allowed to increase tenant deposit to cover any potential damage caused by pets; however, the deposit cannot exceed five weeks’ rent (for annual rent of under £50,000) or six weeks’ rent (for annual rent of £50,000 or more).
According to the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords cannot demand that tenants carry out professional cleaning or a “de-fleaing” service at the end of tenancy.
Can a Landlord Reject Multiple Pets?
It is currently unspecified. The Renters’ Rights Bill has not yet specified if tenants are able to request one pet or multiple pets. Either way, the landlord can refuse the request if they have legitimate reasons to do so.
Can Landlords Refuse Pets in the Tenancy Agreement?
No, landlords cannot refuse pets in the tenancy agreement – a contract between landlords and tenants, laying out the terms of the tenancy. Since 2015, the Consumer Rights Act has banned “unfair terms” in a contract – a blanket ban on pets in the tenancy agreement would likely be classified as unfair.
Tenancy agreements can say that in order to keep a pet, the tenant must have the landlord’s written permission. If the landlord provides a legitimate reason for why the tenant cannot bring a pet to live in the rental, this must be respected. In the case that the tenant thinks the landlord is being unreasonable or that their refusal isn’t for a valid reason, they could challenge it through court or an ombudsman.
If the tenancy agreement says nothing about pets, it will be more difficult for landlords to refuse pets.
Drawing up a tenancy agreement is one of the areas where landlords make the most common mistakes but we can help. At J Property Management, we can help you draw up watertight tenancy agreements to safeguard your property while adhering to all legal obligations.
Know Your Landlord Rights with J Property Management
New laws are being introduced for tenants’ rights but it can be hard to know where that leaves landlords.
If you’re struggling to keep up with ever-changing legislation, we can help. At J Property Management, we work with hundreds of landlords to help maintain their properties, maximise profit and fulfil their financial and legal obligations. Contact us today to see how we can help.
