New rules under the Renters' Rights Act, which became law in England in May 2026, give private tenants the right to request permission to keep a pet at their property, and landlords must not unreasonably refuse. The animal welfare charity the RSPCA has spoken out about the change, which affects millions of renters with cats or dogs.
What the law says
Eloise Dicks, companion animal expert at the RSPCA, explained: "The Renters' Rights Act also came into force in England in May 2026, giving private tenants the right to request permission to keep a pet, which landlords must not unreasonably refuse."
Dicks added: "This is an important step towards helping more people enjoy pet ownership without having to choose between their home and their animal."
Key rights for tenants
Under the legislation, when a tenant signs an assured tenancy, it is an implied term that they can keep a pet if they request one and do so within the terms of the law. Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse consent, and they must give or refuse consent in writing on or before the 28th day after the date of the request, apart from in certain situations. There are exceptions to this 28-day period, such as if the landlord needs more information from the tenant.
The law also sets out that it is reasonable for a landlord to refuse consent if keeping the pet would cause the landlord to be in breach of an agreement with a superior landlord, or if an agreement between the landlord and a superior landlord prohibits keeping a pet without the superior landlord's consent, and the landlord has taken reasonable steps to obtain that consent but it has not been given.
Other changes for renters
The Renters' Rights Act also granted several new entitlements for renters. No-fault evictions are banned, meaning landlords must provide a specific reason for evicting a tenant. Rents can only be increased once a year, and landlords must provide at least two months' notice of a rent increase. Landlords and agents can request no more than one month of rent in advance, and only after the tenancy agreement is signed.
