Renting with pets

Renting with a pet comes with its own laws, whether it’s a rabbit, a cat, or a dog. The first, and most important, of these laws is whether you have permission to have a pet at all. 

While many landlords in the UK can’t refuse pets without a fair reason due to the 2025 Renters Rights Act (effective from May 2026), you must get consent first and until then, they can reject your request. If you bring a furry friend home without permission, you may both find yourselves evicted. 

Landlords may also charge higher rent, but in many areas of the UK, they cannot charge a higher deposit. They can, however, deduct from your deposit in the event of pet-related damage or mess.

If you get permission to rent with a pet, your tenancy agreement might include additional clauses or charges. For example, if you rent a place with your cat and your contract is updated, it could cover issues like urinating inside the home, cleaning the carpets, not leaving your cat alone for long periods, or what to do if damage occurs.

Additionally, in some regions of the UK, landlords may be able to request a “pet deposit” for further protection or to increase your rent. 

There are some rules your landlord or estate agent needs to abide by, too, depending on your region in the UK:

• England. Deposits are capped in England, meaning landlords can’t request a higher deposit from people renting with a pet. However, you may still be charged higher rent. Additionally, your landlords can’t insist on a professional cleaning or de-flea treatment when you leave. As long as the rental property is returned to the same condition as when you moved in, you should be okay.
• Wales. Unlike England, landlords in Wales may issue an additional “pet deposit”. Just like your house deposit, this pet deposit should be retained in a deposit protection scheme and returned to you if not required.
• Scotland. In Scotland, you may be able to get permission to rent with a pet if you agree to an additional deposit. However, deposits in Scotland are capped at the equivalent of two months’ rent – including any additional deposits. If you’re already at that cap, you won’t pay more.
• Northern Ireland. In Northern Ireland, you cannot pay (and landlords cannot request) deposits over the equivalent of one month’s rent. So, while additional pet deposits are allowed, it’s unlikely you’ll be charged much more.

Renting with pets is easier when a landlord knows a bit more about a canine companion or feline friend. With a Pet CV or reference, you can share details about your pet’s age, breed, vaccinations, flea treatments, behaviours, and more. For your landlord, this could reduce the risk of accepting a pet. References from your vet can do much of the same, or you could request a reference from your previous landlord.

The more information your landlord has, the more likely they are to accept your request for a pet. You can also let them know how often you’ll be home, any emergency contact details, and vet information.

Adorable pet photos aren’t mandatory – but go on – have some fun with it.

Yes, landlords can prevent you from renting with a pet. In May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act can help with this, but there may still be scenarios where a landlord can deny your request to rent with a pet if their reasons are good enough. In both circumstances, you will still need permission to rent with a pet before bringing one home.

The Model Tenancy Agreement is a standard tenancy agreement to help responsible tenants who are also pet owners secure leases more easily. It’s up to a landlord if they use the MTA, but if they do, consent for pets is the “default” position, and they must respond with an objection to a tenant within 28 days. Either way, it’s becoming easier to rent with your pet.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, your landlord won’t be able to reject a tenant having a pet without a good reason. However, the word good reason can feel vague; examples would include:

• The property being too small for a pet
• Another tenant suffering from pet allergies
• In leasehold properties, where a freeholder owns the land, there may be a ‘no pets’ clause, preventing buyers or renters from keeping a pet on that property. 

If your landlord unfairly rejects your request for a pet, you should contact the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, and they can make a final decision based on evidence from both parties.