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A tenant standing in the hallway of an ordinary terraced home, holding house keys, with a friendly dog beside her and a cardboard moving box on the floor.
Animals and Pets

Renting a Home and Keeping a Pet

What to check before you sign, how to ask permission in writing, how the rules differ across the UK, and where to find free housing advice.

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Preparation makes a pet request much easier

Finding a rented home with a pet can take extra preparation. The rules and your options depend on where you live, the type of tenancy you have and the terms of your agreement. This page explains what to check, how to make a request and where to find housing advice.

Important information about the rules

Rental rules are not the same throughout the UK. In England, private tenants have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet, and a landlord must consider the request and must not refuse unreasonably. Different rules may apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, and to social housing, lodgers and some other arrangements.

Renting with a pet

Practical steps, section by section

Before taking on a tenancy
  • Ask clearly whether pets are permitted.
  • Read the tenancy agreement and any building or lease restrictions.
  • Obtain permission in writing.
  • Be honest about the type, number and size of pets.
  • Consider whether the property has suitable space and safe outdoor access.
  • Check affordability, including food, veterinary care, insurance and possible pet-related damage.
  • Never pay money before checking that the landlord, agent and property are genuine.
Asking for permission to keep a pet

A written request can include:

  • The pet's species, breed, age and size.
  • Whether the pet is microchipped, vaccinated and neutered where appropriate.
  • Information about training and behaviour.
  • Previous landlord or veterinary references if available.
  • How you will prevent noise, smells, damage or nuisance.
  • Plans for exercise, waste disposal and care when you are away.

A simple request you can adapt

“Dear [landlord or agent], I am writing to request permission to keep [description of pet] at [property address]. The pet is [brief information about age, temperament and care]. I will take reasonable steps to prevent damage, noise or nuisance and will continue to meet my responsibilities under the tenancy agreement. Please confirm your decision in writing.”

Private renting in England
  • Since 1 May 2026, relevant private tenants in England can request permission to keep a pet.
  • A landlord must consider the request and must not refuse unreasonably.
  • The landlord must normally respond in writing within the legal time limit.
  • Permission is not automatic in every situation.
  • A refusal may be reasonable where keeping the animal would breach superior lease conditions, make the property unsuitable or cause another substantial problem.
  • Keep your request, the response and any supporting evidence.
  • If you believe a request was handled unfairly, obtain housing advice before taking further action.

These provisions apply to relevant private tenancies in England. They do not apply throughout the UK.

Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Tenancy law and pet policies differ between the nations of the UK and between individual housing providers. There is no single UK-wide right to keep a pet.

  • Check your tenancy agreement.
  • Ask the landlord or housing provider in writing.
  • Contact the housing-advice service for your nation.
  • Obtain advice before bringing a pet into the property without permission.
If permission is refused
  • Ask for the reasons in writing.
  • Check whether the refusal matches the tenancy agreement and current law.
  • Offer further information about the pet.
  • Ask whether reasonable conditions could resolve the concern.
  • Keep copies of all correspondence.
  • Speak to a recognised housing-advice service.

Do not hide a pet or ignore the tenancy agreement, because this could place your tenancy at risk.

Assistance animals

An assistance animal is not the same as an ordinary pet. Assistance animals are trained to help a disabled person with everyday tasks, and equality law may affect how a request about one has to be handled.

If an assistance animal is refused, or if you feel you have been treated unfairly because of a disability, get specialist housing or discrimination advice. Every situation is different, so nobody can promise a particular legal outcome in advance.

Our Assistance Dogs page explains how assistance dogs are trained, what proof usually means in practice and where the main organisations are.

Moving with a pet
  • Update microchip contact details.
  • Register with a nearby veterinary practice.
  • Keep medication and familiar items accessible.
  • Secure doors, windows, balconies and gardens.
  • Introduce the pet to the new home gradually.
  • Update identification tags.
  • Make safe arrangements for moving day.
  • Check local rules for communal areas and waste disposal.
Where to get help

External organisations have their own eligibility rules and services. Check their current information directly.

Other pages that may help

Important information

Sixpence Support UK provides general information and links to other organisations. We do not give legal or housing advice, and we cannot guarantee that a landlord will give permission. Housing law differs across the UK and changes over time, so please obtain professional advice about your own situation where needed.

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