England's New Law Lets Renters Keep Pets—Without Landlord Rejection
A new law now makes it easier for renters in England to keep pets in their homes. The Labour government’s Renters Rights Act came into effect on Friday, giving tenants stronger rights to request a pet. Landlords must now consider these requests and cannot refuse without good reason. Before this change, renters needed permission from their landlord to keep a pet. Landlords could say no without giving a specific reason, leaving many tenants with no choice but to rehome their animals. Research shows that 37% of renters could not live with their pets because of these rules, often forcing them into rescue centres.
The new law shifts the balance. Tenants can now formally request to keep a pet, and landlords must respond reasonably. They can still ask for pet insurance to cover potential damage, though policies can cost hundreds of pounds a year. Over the past decade, the price of pet insurance has risen faster than general inflation.
The change has already sparked interest. Two-thirds of renters say they will now request to keep a pet, with more than half of those planning to bring an existing pet home. Among those looking to get a new animal, 62% prefer a dog. However, owning one comes with costs—the average dog expenses reach nearly £2,000 a year, while a cat costs around £1,500. The Renters Rights Act removes a major barrier for pet owners in rented homes. Landlords must now justify any refusal, while tenants gain clearer rights. With many planning to apply, the law could reduce the number of pets sent to shelters due to housing restrictions.
