Guides › Rent and Deposits › Asking Your Landlord If You Can Keep a Pet
Asking Your Landlord If You Can Keep A Pet
Ask your landlord in writing, describing the pet. They have 28 days to reply in writing and cannot refuse without a fair reason. If they refuse they should explain why. Pet damage can be taken from the deposit, but they cannot claim twice for the same damage.
At A Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Asking
How to Ask
Ask in writing, giving the type of animal, its size and how much room it needs. Your landlord has 28 days to reply in writing. If they ask for more information you should provide it. After you reply they have until the later of the end of the 28 days or 7 days from your reply. If approved, they cannot change their mind or alter your tenancy because of it. source
Fair and Unfair Reasons
Fair Reasons
A refusal may be reasonable if someone in the property has an allergy, the property is too small, a freeholder does not allow pets or the pet is illegal to own. source
Usually Unfair
Usually not reasonable: the landlord just does not like pets, had problems with earlier tenants, has general worries about damage, or you need an assistance animal such as a guide dog. source
Damage
Your landlord can deduct pet-related repair costs from your deposit or may claim on your pet insurance, but cannot claim for the same damage twice. Complain to the landlord or agent if they do not respond within 28 days or you think the refusal is unreasonable. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 28 daysLandlord must reply in writingFrom your request
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Write to your landlord describing the pet, its size and its space needs.
Step 2 of 5
Keep a copy and note the date sent.
Step 3 of 5
Answer any follow-up questions promptly.
Step 4 of 5
If there is no reply in 28 days, or the reason seems unfair, complain to the landlord or agent.
Step 5 of 5
Ask for a new permission for any extra pet.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Landlord or Letting Agent
Complain first, in writing.
Shelter England
Free advice on deposit claims and eviction notices.
Citizens Advice
Free advice on any renting problem.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
A landlord can reasonably refuse if a freeholder or superior landlord bans pets.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have different rules for renting.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 14 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/assured-periodic-tenancies-tenants/if-you-want-a-pet-to-live-with-you Checked 14 October 2026
- england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/tenancy_deposits/check_your_tenancy_deposit_is_protected/deposit_not_protected Checked 12 October 2026
- citizensadvice.org.uk Checked 8 October 2026