Inside LetCompliance
Tenant pet request tracker, RRA 2025 compliant
Accept, refuse with written reasons, or tribunal-safe, all logged.
The Renters' Rights Act 2025 gives tenants the right to request a pet. You can refuse, but only on reasonable grounds and with your reasons in writing. LetCompliance's pet request tracker gives you a structured workflow so every decision is documented and defensible.
Written-reasons template
Structured refusal template with reasonable-grounds categories (freeholder bar, property unsuitable, etc.).
Timer & reminder
Most landlords aim to respond within ~28 days of a request as a planning target. We timestamp every inbound request.
Pet insurance log
Where the tenant offers pet damage insurance, log policy details and renewal dates.
What it does
- Receives pet requests from your tenant portal
- Timestamps each request
- Offers structured accept / accept-with-conditions / refuse workflow
- Logs written reasons for any refusal
- Tracks any pet damage insurance the tenant has provided
- Generates an audit trail for tribunal or County Court
Who it's for
Every English landlord of an assured tenancy after 1 May 2026, particularly in leasehold flats where freeholder consent may affect the answer.
The legal basis
Renters' Rights Act 2025 (pet provisions). GOV.UK does not always repeat a single 28-day formula; many landlords still use ~28 days from sector guidance as a planning target. Refusals must be on reasonable grounds and given in writing.
Guidance only, not legal advice. Always verify with your solicitor for contested matters.
FAQs
What counts as reasonable grounds?
Freeholder restrictions in a lease, tenancy-type restrictions (e.g. HMO licence conditions), and specific property unsuitability (no outside space for a large dog) have all been cited. Pure personal dislike is not reasonable.
Can I charge a pet deposit?
No; the 5-week deposit cap applies, and you cannot require pet insurance instead — that clause was dropped before the Act passed. The protected deposit is your remedy for pet damage.
What if the tenant gets a pet without asking?
Unauthorised pets are a breach of the tenancy. Document, serve a breach notice and consider Section 8 Ground 12 if not resolved.
🐶 Free: Pet Request 28-Day Decision Email Pack
Three template emails (approve, refuse with reasonable grounds, request more info) that survive a Renters’ Rights Act 2025 tribunal challenge.
- 28-day decision-window timeline
- Reasonable refusal grounds checklist (RRA-aligned)
- Pet damage insurance variant clause
- Audit log row template per request
Start your 14-day free trial to use this tool
No card needed. Full access to every tool, then £0 until you decide.
Start free trialOther tools