Renters hub

How renting with pets is changing

On the 1st May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act will bring a sweep of changes for those of us living in rented accommodation in England.

But what’s changing for pet parents specifically?

phone-and-dog

What's the Renters' Rights Act, and can renters have pets?

From May 1st in England:

  • You have a right to request a pet in a rented home

  • There's a 28-day deadline for your landlord to reply

  • No "unreasonable" refusals - landlords must have a reason

  • Pet insurance is not mandatory for your landlord to accept a pet

  • No extra pet deposits

  • You can challenge refusals

Answer your Renters' Rights Act questions in our in-depth guide below.

What the law means

Renting with a pet: things to know

Renting with a pet for the first time? Access guides on how to improve the chances of a landlord accepting your pet and how to make life with your tailmate easy.

A couple sits at a table with a fluffy dog, while a professional woman, seen from the back, talks to them. The man is signing papers.
  1. A small dog rests on a green chair in a cozy living room with a sofa, coffee table, plant, and a cup on the table. Natural light enters through a window.
  2. A woman smiles while holding a fluffy dog. A man stands in the background holding a box in a bright room. It looks like the couple is moving into a new home.
  3. A puppy places a paw on their owner's forearm as the owner cleans up their pee with a cloth

Best pets for renting

illustrations of four white dogs in circles on a green background
drawing of a dog in a stroller
A ginger cat with green looking up at the camera while sitting next to a couch