Your tenant, may find themselves yearning for the companionship of a furry friend to make their house feel like a home.

But can you, as a landlord, prevent them from keeping a pet?

Understanding the landlord and tenant obligations is essential.

Essentially, the tenant is within their rights to request a pet in the home, and the landlord should not unreasonably refuse this request.

Landlords have certain obligations and responsibilities when it comes to their tenants' requests for pet ownership.

Landlords should carefully assess the individual circumstances, including the size of the property and its suitability for the particular animal in question.

If the property is not suitable for a pet due to its size or other limitations, the landlord may have valid reasons to refuse the request. 

The landlord’s decision should be provided in writing within a reasonable timeframe. 

The Renters Reform Bill will also have an impact on tenants’ rights to rent with a pet.  In addition, if the pet is a 'service animal' under the Equality Act 2010, the landlord cannot discriminate against a person with a disability.

When it comes to a tenant’s right to request a pet, it is advisable for tenants to submit the request in writing to you. While the final decision rests with you as the landlord, you are obligated to consider the tenants' request reasonably and should not refuse without justifiable cause.

For additional information, please see links provided here: Can my landlord prevent me from keeping a pet? (England) (parliament.uk)