Are Pets Allowed in Rental Properties in East London?

 Before the Renters’ Right Act 2025 became law, private landlords had the option to refuse pets in their properties but from 1 May 2026, tenants’ rights to keep pets have been strengthened. If you are a landlord with property in East London, this guide explains the new legislation regarding pet requests and explains your legal obligations for responding to requests. 

The Law on Pets in Rental Properties: What Changed in 2025? 

The Renters’ Rights Act 2025 received Royal Assent on 27 October 2025, with many provisions introduced from 1 May 2026. The private rented sector reforms include introducing a legal right for tenants to request to keep a pet. Previously, landlords could apply blanket bans in tenancy agreements if they did not want tenants to keep pets (other than assistance animals) in their property, but these are now illegal. 

What the Renters Rights Act 2025 Actually Says  

The legislation states that a tenant may keep a pet at the dwelling-house if the tenant asks to do so and the landlord consents. Landlords must not unreasonably refuse consent and must respond in writing to any requests. Landlords have 28 days to respond after receiving the written request from the tenant. 

The tenant’s request must include a description of the pet and if adequate information is not provided, the landlord can request further information. In this scenario, the landlord has a further 7 days from receiving the additional information to provide written consent or to refuse the request with valid reason. 

Can Landlords Refuse Pet Requests? Valid Reasons Explained 

There are some circumstances where landlords can legitimately refuse a request. These include: 

1. Property Size and Suitability Concerns  

For East London landlords with properties such as flats, it may be reasonable to refuse a request if the property is too small. The landlord should consider the size of the pet by asking details of the breed to assess whether the property size is suitable for keeping a pet. Certain property types such as conversions may also be unsuitable for keeping pets due to the layout of the property. 

2. Leasehold and Building Restrictions  

It is common for East London leasehold properties to have restrictions set out by the freeholder that prohibit pets. Landlords should refer to their lease details to check whether any restrictions apply and if the freeholder prohibits pets, this is a valid reason for refusal. 

How to Document and Justify a Refusal Based on Valid Grounds 

If you have reviewed the request and believe that you have valid grounds to refuse a pet request under the new pet rules, you should inform the tenant in writing within the required timescales. Include your reason for the refusal, providing supporting information e.g. refer to the head lease restriction or explain that the property size is unsuitable for the size of the pet. 

Pet Deposits and Insurance: What Landlords Can Request 

Early proposals for the pet rule changes indicated that landlords would be able to request that tenants took out pet insurance to cover pet damage costs, but these proposals were scrapped. If a pet causes damage to your property, you should discuss the matter with your tenant, and they may pay for repair costs.  

Alternatively, you can deduct pet damage repair costs from the tenant’s deposit, but you cannot request a specific pet deposit to cover pet damage in addition to the standard deposit. If your tenant has pet insurance or you have this included in your landlords insurance, you can claim for repair costs instead of deducting it from the deposit. You must not do both, as this constitutes fraud. 

Writing Pet Clauses in Your Tenancy Agreement 

To provide greater protection for landlords, including pet clauses in the tenancy agreement will provide clarity to the tenant regarding their responsibilities as a pet owner and reasons why a request may reasonably be refused. 

Essential Elements of a Compliant Pet Clause  

A compliant pet clause should include: 

• The requirement for the tenant to make the request in writing and to include details regarding breed, size and number of pets. 
• Reference to circumstances where it may be unsuitable for a pet to be kept in the property. 
• Tenant responsibilities regarding ensuring the welfare of the pet and prevention of nuisance behaviour. 
• Repair costs for pet damage beyond wear and tear are to be covered by the tenant.  

Sample Wording for Different Property Types 

To explain potential consent refusal circumstances for different property types, the following wording can be used: 

Flats – “Consent may be refused if the property is unsuitable for the type or number of pets requested.”  

You may also refer to the floor area dimensions or the fact that there is no access to a garden if this applies. 

Leasehold properties – “Consent may be refused if keeping the pet would breach a superior lease, insurance condition, licensing condition, or legal obligation.” 

Assistance Animals and Service Dogs: Special Considerations  

Refusing an assistance animal may be considered unlawful discrimination under the Equality Act 2010. Refusals are only permitted in exceptional, evidence-based circumstances and landlords must make reasonable adjustments to allow tenants to keep a registered assistance animal. 

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, pets are defined as an animal kept by a person for companionship, personal interest or ornamental purposes. Requests to keep animals that meet these definitions should follow the rules set out in the Renters’ Rights Act. 

Managing Pet-Friendly Properties: Practical Tips for East London Landlords 

It is understandable that some landlords may have general concerns about potential issues of pets living in their property. However, a large proportion of households in East London and across the wider UK are pet owners so it is likely that you may receive pet requests. 

These are some practical tips that can help you to manage pet-friendly properties: 

Reducing Issues with Tenants Who Have Pets  

If your tenant requests to keep a pet, talk to your tenant about concerns such as neighbour complaints in purpose-built apartment blocks. You can ask about the pet’s training history and if any noise complaints are received from neighbours, document the details and encourage solutions such as behaviour training.  

Marketing to Responsible Pet Owners 

You can market your property as pet-friendly by referring to outdoor space and property size, which can help to expand your tenant pool in the competitive East London rental market. Responsible pet owners will be looking for properties that are more suitable for keeping pets, so advertising as pet-friendly can help to attract pet owners who are less likely to cause issues. 

Our fully trained and experienced team provides professional lettings and property management services across East London. For local expertise and compliance guidance including support with the latest pet rules, get in touch with your local Lint Group office.