A pet request should be assessed on its own facts. Under the English assured periodic tenancy rules, a landlord cannot refuse without a fair reason. This practical guide was reviewed on 15 October 2026.
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The tenant should request permission in writing and describe the animal. The government guide sets a 28-day written response period. If further information is requested and supplied, the final response is due within the remaining original period or seven days after the reply, whichever is later.
Relevant considerations can include the space available and a genuine restriction in a superior lease. A general dislike of animals or an unrelated previous tenant’s conduct is not, by itself, a sound basis for refusing every request.
Explain the actual decision
Our suggested record is straightforward: the request, any questions, the information received and the written outcome. A refusal should explain the concern about this animal in this property, rather than rely on a generic sentence copied into every response.
If the concern can be clarified, ask a focused question. Avoid collecting irrelevant personal information or leaving a request unanswered while an internal discussion drifts.
Keep permission and damage separate
Permission does not remove the need to address damage if it occurs. Equally, a possible future problem should not be presented as an established incident. Keep inspection evidence and repair records if there is a later dispute.
The government guidance says the same damage cannot be recovered twice, for example through both insurance and a deposit deduction. Obtain advice if the parties disagree about responsibility or the appropriate amount.
Source: GOV.UK pet guidance for assured periodic tenancies. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.