Pet ownership in rented properties - Commons Library
Not to be relied upon as legal advice https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/can-my-landlord-prevent-me-from-keeping-a-pet/
The government proposes to change the law to make it easier for private tenants to keep pets
The Renters’ Rights Bill, introduced in the House of Commons on 11th September 2024, would give tenants the right to request a pet, which landlords could not unreasonably refuse. Landlords could require insurance to cover potential damage from pets. The bill’s progress through the parliamentary stages can be tracked through the parliament.uk website: Renters’ Rights Bill.
What if I need a guide or assistance dog?
Under the Equality Act 2010, service providers (including landlords) must not directly or indirectly discriminate against people with a disability. Section 20(3) says they must make reasonable adjustments where a provision, criterion or practice puts a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person.
What amounts to a reasonable adjustment will depend on individual circumstances. The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Guidance for social housing providers (PDF), says a landlord would have to change a tenancy agreement prohibiting pets to allow a tenant to keep a guide or assistance dog as a reasonable adjustment because: “Failure to do so may risk breaching Article 14 of the Human Rights Act (Prohibition of Discrimination).”
Further information
Tenancy Deposit Scheme: A_Guide_to_Pets_in_Rented_Properties.pdf
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home: What are your legal rights as a tenant when renting with a pet? (covers England, Wales and Scotland)
The Dogs Trust: Lets with Pets
Commons Library briefings on the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024-25 and the Renters’ Rights Bill 2024-25: Progress of the bill
