What Are the Rules About Pets in Rental Properties for East London Landlords?

The rules on allowing pets in rental properties are changing in 2026 to normalise private renting with pets.

Over half of UK adults own a pet, but as Landlord Today highlights, only 8% of London rental properties are pet-friendly. Landlords may be cautious about allowing pets, with your mind racing to the worst-case scenarios and potential damages. But if you’re concerned that you’ll be forced to allow large, energetic dogs into your studio in Whitechapel or risk breaching the leasehold terms of your Wapping conversion, read on.

The new laws do allow for reasonable decision making, and despite the risks of allowing pet ownership, landlords can experience several benefits too. Could pet owners make reliable, long-term tenants for your Bethnal Green property? Find out about the 2025 UK laws on pets in rental properties, and pet pros and cons, in our landlord guide.

What is the law on pets in rental property?

You don’t have to allow pets in your rental property, but the rules on pet ownership discourage blanket bans. The gov.uk model tenancy agreement prompts tenants to request permission in writing and landlords to supply a written response within 28 days. You shouldn’t delay or withhold permission without good reason. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, landlords can’t request a fee for granting permission to keep a pet or a deposit over the 5 weeks’ rent cap.

Is it illegal to refuse pets in a rental property?

The Consumer Rights Act 2015 already prevents landlords from incorporating unfair terms into the tenancy agreement, making a blanket ‘no pets allowed’ policy hard to defend. As of 1 May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act makes it illegal to ban pets from your rental property without good reason for doing so.

Pets in lets: changes under the Renters’ Rights Bill

Under the new legislation, pets in rental properties will be accepted as the default position in the private rented sector. Landlords can’t enforce a blanket ban on pets or unreasonably refuse a tenant’s request for one. However, it will still be legal for landlords to refuse a large pet in a small property, for example, or where the freeholder enforces a pet ban.

Want to know more? The new pet rules are one of several recent changes to landlord obligations – review the full list of landlord legal responsibilities, read about changes affecting how to choose the right tenants under the Renters’ Rights Act, and explore how property management companies can keep you up to date with evolving legislation.

What is the process for tenants requesting a pet?

This is the process for tenants requesting a pet in an East London property, including provision for the area’s many leasehold properties.

• The tenant makes a written request for pet ownership.
• Landlords must clearly approve or deny their tenants’ pet requests within 28 days, or request additional information within this timeframe.
• If the landlord requests additional information such as a pet’s vaccination record, the deadline is extended by 7 days.
• In leasehold properties, seek the superior landlord’s permission during the 28-day window. Landlords may extend the deadline by 7 days after receiving their response.
• File your written correspondence to avoid conflict and confusion later.

Pros & cons of allowing pets in your East London rental

Landlords must follow the law on pet ownership, but having a wider view of the pros and cons can help you prepare. There can be unexpected benefits to pets in lets, despite the potential challenges.

Pros

• Lower turnover. Pet owners are often longer-term tenants, reducing void periods.
• Less non-pet related damage. Tenants with pets generally cause less damage, University of Huddersfield research found.
• Happy tenants. Content tenants can be easier to deal with, and again may stay longer.
• Demand for pet-friendly properties. The PDSA Paw Report 2024 found that 51% of UK adults are pet owners, many of whom are renters.

Cons

• Wear and tear. Pets contribute to wear and tear at the property.
• Pests. There’s a risk of pets such as fleas.
• Nuisance. Pet smells and noise nuisance such as loud barking can disturb neighbours.
• Costs. Pet damage insurance can add an extra cost to your landlord cover.

Can tenants challenge your decision to not allow pets?

Under the new Renters’ Rights Act pet rules, tenants can challenge your decision not to allow pets in court or with the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman (when it comes into force). You will need to provide evidence supporting your decision in either event, so keep impeccable records.

What happens if your tenant has a pet without permission?

Tenants don’t have the right to have pets in the rental property without permission in advance, and must follow the tenancy agreement’s terms. Include a pets clause in your tenancy agreements explaining your policy, e.g. noise rules or size constraints.

Still unsure about what the law on pets in rental properties is, and how it affects your property in the Docklands or Bromley areas? We’re here to help East London landlords, contact us today to discuss what we can do for you.

Want to find out more? Allowing pets can affect your property condition and deposit considerations – learn how to create a thorough rental property inventory to document the property before a pet-owning tenant moves in, understand your fire safety obligations as a landlord, and review void property inspection requirements should you need to assess condition between tenancies.