Minister writes to social landlords on importance of fair consideration of requests to have a pet

Baroness Taylor, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Housing and Local Government, said the purpose of the letter was to fulfil a commitment given during the passage of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025.

The 2025 Act will impose a requirement on private landlords not to unreasonably withhold consent when a tenant when a tenant requests to have a pet in their home, with the tenant able to challenge unfair decisions.

Private landlords will be required to consider requests by tenants for pets on a case-by-case basis and will be able to refuse unreasonable requests and ask tenants for further information.

The legislation did not impose an equivalent obligation on social housing landlords.

Baroness Taylor wrote: “This is an issue close to my heart, and I am aware, close to the hearts of many social housing tenants. Pets play a valuable role in providing companionship, emotional support, and in contributing to improved mental and physical wellbeing.”

She explained that tenants in social housing “do not generally experience the same barriers to keeping a pet as those in the private rented sector”, so the Government did not feel it was proportionate or necessary to legislate on the matter.

The minister said she recognised though that “it is important there is clarity, fairness and consistency across the private and social rented sectors”.

Baroness Taylor added: “I know that many social landlords already outline their policies on pets within their tenancy agreements. Where landlords do not, I encourage them to do so and also want to encourage landlords to share best practice on how requests to have pets are considered and communicated to tenants.”

The minister said policies should set out a clear process for making a request for a pet and the circumstances in which a request will be refused – for example setting out non-permitted animals (e.g. species listed under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976, and dogs prohibited under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 unless exempt).

Social landlords will also be expected to clearly explain to tenants the factors that will be considered as part of any request for a pet - for example:

• whether the tenancy or superior lease allows pets,
• the suitability of the property (size/layout, shared access, access to gardens/communal space),
• the type/size of the animal, and
• welfare considerations.

A simple route should be provided to apply with a standard timeframe for a decision noting when timelines may extend if superior landlord consent is required.

“Where requests are refused, decisions should be confirmed in writing with an explanation for why the request hasn’t been granted and, if appropriate signpost the tenant to the options available for review or redress,” Baroness Taylor wrote.

Harry Rodd