Why it matters
What Pet Request (Renters’ Rights Act) means for a landlord
The risk is the deadline and the reasons. Missing the 28 days does not mean consent is given, but it is a breach of the duty and leaves the tenant free to take the matter further. A reasonable refusal depends on the facts: a head lease that bans pets, or a pet unsuitable for the property, can qualify, while a blanket preference against pets will not. Because the request and reply are both time-limited, keep a dated record of each.
Worked example
How it plays out
A tenant in Exeter asks in writing on 2 September to keep a cat. The landlord must reply by 30 September. On 10 September he asks for the cat’s age and whether it is neutered, and the tenant answers on 15 September, so the landlord now has seven days from receiving that answer. He agrees in writing, on condition that any damage beyond fair wear and tear is put right, which the deposit can cover.
Common mistakes
Where landlords go wrong
- 01Treating silence as a refusal, or as consent: neither, and the deadline still applies.
- 02Refusing with no reason or with a blanket policy.
- 03Asking for a pet deposit or requiring pet insurance, which are not allowed.
- 04Not checking a head lease that may genuinely prohibit pets.
What to do
A short checklist
- Log every pet request with the date it arrived.
- Reply in writing within 28 days, with reasons.
- Check any head lease or building rules before deciding.
Sources
Checked against these sources on 16 September 2026. A guide to the rules in England, not legal advice: for a dispute or a possession claim, speak to a solicitor.
