A tenant asking to keep a pet in a rented flat may face two separate agreements: their tenancy with the landlord and the landlord's lease with the building's freeholder. Understanding both is essential before anyone promises that an animal can move in.
For assured periodic tenancies in England, current government guidance says tenants should request permission in writing and describe the animal. Landlords cannot refuse without a fair reason. This is a right to have a request considered, rather than permission to bring a pet into the property without asking.
The response process
GOV.UK describes a 28-day written response period. Where the landlord requests more information, the final decision is due within the remaining original period or seven days after that information is supplied, whichever is later. A tenant who does not answer a request for further details may prevent the application from being considered.
The guidance gives examples of potentially reasonable objections, including an unsuitable property size, an allergy affecting someone living there, an illegal animal or a freeholder restriction. The facts matter; a general dislike of pets should not replace consideration of the particular request.
Where the headlease matters
The explanatory notes to the Renters' Rights Act describe the position where approving a pet would breach an agreement with a superior landlord. They also address leases which permit pets only with that superior landlord's consent: the immediate landlord must take reasonable steps to obtain consent before relying on its absence.
This distinction matters for leasehold flats. An absolute restriction and a clause requiring consent are different starting points. Simply telling a tenant that the building is leasehold does not explain which restriction applies or what enquiries have been made.
A useful paper trail
Our practical recommendation is to record the request date, the animal's description, the relevant lease wording and any correspondence with the freeholder or managing agent. A landlord who is unsure how a clause operates should obtain advice rather than paraphrase it from memory.
Tenants can help by giving clear information about the animal and its space requirements at the outset. Both parties should retain the written decision. If there is a disagreement, seek advice on the actual tenancy and lease documents rather than treating a general online guide as a ruling on the case.
This updates an archived discussion for England's current framework. Separate advice is needed for other UK jurisdictions or tenancy types.
Sources checked 7 November 2026: https://www.gov.uk/assured-periodic-tenancies-tenants/if-you-want-a-pet-to-live-with-you https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2025/26/pdfs/ukpgaen_20250026_en.pdf