Last updated: 22 September 2025
Britain has a long-standing reputation as a nation of animal lovers. It’s a significant part of our national identity, and the numbers back it up: recent statistics suggest that a staggering 60% of UK households own one of the UK’s 36 million pets. With millions of us sharing our homes with furry, feathered, or scaled companions, it is no wonder that residential property agents are frequently asked: “Are pets allowed in flats?”
However, the answer is not always straightforward.
Whether or not you can keep a pet in a leasehold property depends on a mix of lease agreements, tenancy contracts, landlord consent, and changing legislation. Some landlords welcome pets because they know it attracts reliable tenants; others remain cautious due to noise, nuisance, or potential damage. Similarly, leaseholders buying a flat are often surprised to discover that restrictions on pets are common in long leases.
Understanding the rules around pets in leasehold flats is crucial for both tenants looking to rent or buy a property and landlords managing rental properties or freeholders overseeing leasehold buildings. The landscape is evolving rapidly, with new legislation on the horizon that will fundamentally change how pet requests are handled in the private rental sector.
In this guide, we explore everything you need to know about the rules for pets in leasehold flats in the UK, from the current law to the upcoming changes, plus practical advice from the perspectives of both tenants and landlords.
Quick Navigation:
The current law on keeping pets in flats
The current legal framework governing pets in leasehold properties operates differently depending on your specific circumstances, but there are some fundamental principles that apply to both leaseholders and private renters.
For leaseholders (those who own a leasehold flat), consent from the freeholder is typically required to keep pets. This requirement stems from the lease agreement itself, which usually contains either an outright prohibition on pets or a clause requiring prior written consent. The freeholder has the legal right to refuse permission, and this refusal doesn’t need to be reasonable under current law.
For private renters, the situation depends on the terms of the tenancy agreement. Under the current model tenancy agreements, the default position is for landlords not to unreasonably withhold consent where a tenant asks for permission to keep a pet. However, many tenancy agreements still contain blanket ‘no pets’ clauses.
Under existing consumer protection legislation (the Consumer Rights Act 2015), tenants can challenge unfair terms in their lease or tenancy agreement. A blanket prohibition on pets without any opportunity to request permission may be considered unfair, particularly if there’s no reasonable basis for the restriction.
How the rules about pets in flats are changing: The Renters’ Rights Bill
The legal landscape around pets in rental properties is set for a significant shake-up with the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill (which will become the Renters’ Rights Act after it passes). The Bill is currently making its way through Parliament, and will fundamentally change how pet requests are handled by giving tenants the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, with landlords unable to unreasonably refuse such requests.
The legislation is expected to come into force in late 2025 or early 2026 once it receives Royal Assent, and aims to make it easier for tenants to keep pets. It will effectively end the ability of landlords to impose blanket bans on pets in rented accommodation. Instead, it will create a new, fairer system where each request must be considered on its own merits. Key provisions of the Bill include…
Proposed changes (not yet in effect):
- Landlords must consider each pet request individually and cannot issue blanket bans
- Landlords must respond to written pet requests within 28 days
- Valid grounds for refusal include property size, existing tenant allergies, or specific lease restrictions
- Tenants will be able to challenge unreasonable refusals via the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or through the courts
- Landlords may require tenants to obtain pet insurance covering potential damage
- Reasonable costs for additional landlord insurance may be passed to tenants
Can landlords refuse pets in the UK in 2025?
Under current legislation, landlords can still refuse pet requests, and many maintain blanket ‘no pets’ policies. However, once the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law, landlords will still be able to refuse a pet, but the key change is that the refusal must be reasonable and justifiable.
For example, refusing a large, energetic dog in a small studio flat would likely be considered reasonable. Similarly, if the building’s head lease (the agreement held by the freeholder) forbids pets, a landlord can use this as a valid reason to refuse a tenant’s request. However, simply disliking pets or having a blanket policy will no longer be sufficient grounds for refusal.
The definition of “reasonable grounds” will likely be tested through ombudsman cases and court decisions once the new law takes effect. Property size, building restrictions, and legitimate concerns about specific types of animals are expected to constitute reasonable grounds for refusal.
What percentage of landlords allow pets in the UK?
Historically, finding a pet-friendly leasehold flat has been a major challenge for tenants. A government survey revealed that only 7% of landlords advertise their properties as pet-friendly, despite over half of UK households owning at least one pet. The Dogs Trust also found that 78% of pet owners have experienced trouble finding a flat that allows pets.
Those stark figures highlight the difficulties many pet owners face, often forcing them to choose between their beloved companion and a place to live. The upcoming changes in the Renters’ Rights Bill are a direct response to this issue, aiming to rebalance the scales and make the private rental sector more accessible for the millions of pet-owning households across the UK.
There’s also growing recognition among some landlords that allowing pets can be beneficial for their business. Pet-owning tenants often stay longer in properties (reducing void periods and turnover costs), and there’s a substantial market of responsible pet owners seeking pet-friendly rentals.
For Tenants & Leaseholders
Understanding your rights and responsibilities as a tenant when it comes to keeping pets in leasehold flats, whether you’re renting or own the leasehold.
Are pets allowed in the flat that I am renting?
The answer depends entirely on your specific tenancy agreement and lease terms. Landlords have traditionally been reluctant to allow pets due to concerns about potential damage, noise, and neighbour complaints. However, the situation is becoming more nuanced.
It’s imperative that you check your tenancy agreement for any ‘no pets’ clause before moving in. If a landlord does allow pets, ensure you get their written agreement, as verbal permissions can be difficult to enforce. The landlord might include a covenant allowing them to withdraw permission if problems arise affecting neighbours or causing property damage.
When searching for rental properties, inform the estate agent or property management company about your pet requirements from the outset. This transparency can save time and prevent disappointment later in the process.
How do you find out if you can’t have a pet in a flat?
All leasehold flats have a lease document that sets out the rules you must abide by. Take care when reading the lease to understand every term, as it’s easy to overlook vital points. Look specifically for:
- A complete ‘no pets’ clause
- A clause requiring prior written consent before keeping pets
- General nuisance clauses that might be interpreted to include pets
Pets aren’t the only potential restriction in property leases. You should also check for other limitations such as subletting restrictions, rules about hanging clothes to dry, or prohibitions on installing satellite dishes or aerials.
What if there is no mention of pets in the lease?
If there’s no specific mention of pets in your lease but your landlord refuses permission, they may argue that pets aren’t allowed under a general nuisance clause. However, without concrete evidence of what constitutes a nuisance, landlords would struggle to enforce such restrictions in court.
This situation highlights the importance of clear, explicit lease terms. In the absence of specific pet-related clauses, you may have stronger grounds to keep a pet, though it’s always advisable to seek written confirmation from your landlord or freeholder.
What are the penalties for breaking the terms of your lease?
Breaching a ‘no pets’ clause in your lease can have serious consequences. The freeholder could take you to court, resulting in a court order requiring you to remove your pet from the property. In severe cases, this could lead to forfeiture proceedings where you lose your leasehold interest entirely.
For tenants on shorthold agreements, keeping an unauthorised pet could result in eviction through Section 21 procedures, or the landlord may simply refuse to extend your tenancy. If the animal is clearly inappropriate for flat living, landlords have grounds for court action even if you have a long fixed-term agreement.
Are assistance dogs allowed in flats?
Contrary to popular belief, you’re not automatically entitled to keep an assistance dog in a flat. However, under the Equality Act 2010, landlords and freeholders must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people. A clause banning pets would likely be considered discriminatory if it were used to prevent someone from keeping an assistance dog. A “no pets” policy does not override the legal protections afforded to individuals who rely on assistance animals.
It’s important to note that this legal protection specifically applies to trained, registered assistance dogs (also known as service dogs). Emotional support animals are not currently recognised in the same way under UK law.
If I buy a leasehold flat, can the freeholder still ban pets?
Yes. When you buy a leasehold flat, you are buying the right to live in the property for a fixed period, but you’re still bound by the terms of the lease set by the freeholder, just as you would be if renting. You need the freeholder’s permission to keep pets in the property, and this permission can be refused. So, if the lease has a clear “no pets” clause, the freeholder can enforce it.
Before purchasing a leasehold property, carefully review the lease to check for:
- Absolute ‘no pets’ clauses
- Requirements for prior consent before keeping pets
- Any specific restrictions on types or sizes of animals
If you’re a prospective buyer with pets, factor this into your property search and consider seeking legal advice on challenging unreasonable restrictions.
Can leasehold properties refuse pets?
Currently, yes. Leasehold properties can refuse pets through either absolute prohibition clauses or by refusing requests for consent. The freeholder is not required to give reasons for refusal under current law, though this may change as case law develops around reasonableness.
When the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into effect, the situation will improve for tenants in private rental properties, but leasehold owners who aren’t renting may still face the same restrictions from freeholders.
Can I be evicted for having a pet?
If you’re renting and keep a pet in violation of your tenancy agreement, yes, you can be evicted. The method depends on your tenancy type:
- Shorthold tenancies: Landlords can use Section 21 (no-fault eviction) procedures or Section 8 grounds for breach of tenancy terms
- Fixed-term agreements: Landlords may seek court orders for removal of the pet or, in serious cases, possession of the property
For leaseholders, the consequences can include injunctions to remove the pet, damages claims, or in extreme cases, forfeiture proceedings.
How to get around a lease that says no pets?
Important: We strongly advise against attempting to circumvent lease terms, as this can result in serious legal consequences. However, there are legitimate approaches to explore.
The best approach is open communication. If your lease requires consent, build a strong case for your pet. Landlord concerns typically revolve around potential noise and damage. You can address these by:
- Providing a “pet CV” detailing your pet’s breed, age, temperament, and any training.
- Offering references from previous landlords.
- Suggesting a trial period.
- Agreeing to pay for a professional deep clean at the end of your tenancy.
- As per the new Bill, offering to take out specific pet damage insurance.
- Proposing access restrictions for your pet on certain areas of the property.
Often, a landlord’s or freeholder’s willingness to grant permission comes down to the type of animal. A request for a goldfish is unlikely to be refused, whereas a large dog in a small flat without outdoor access is a more challenging proposition.
For Landlords, Freeholders & RMCs
Understanding your obligations, rights, and practical considerations when managing pet requests in leasehold properties, whether you’re a private landlord, freeholder, or part of a Residents Management Company (RMC).
Can a landlord ban pets?
Under current legislation, landlords can implement blanket ‘no pets’ policies, though the model tenancy agreement introduced in 2021 suggests that consent should be the default position, with refusals only occurring for good reason.
However, once the Renters’ Rights Bill becomes law, landlords will no longer be able to issue blanket ‘no pets’ policies. Instead, they must consider each request individually and can only refuse on reasonable grounds such as property size, building restrictions, or legitimate concerns about specific animals.
Can a landlord increase rent for a pet?
Currently, landlords cannot charge higher rent specifically for pets (known as a ‘pet premium’) beyond what’s stipulated in the original tenancy agreement. However, landlords can require additional security measures such as:
- Higher deposit amounts (within legal limits)
- Pet damage insurance
- Professional cleaning requirements
Under the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, amendments being considered include allowing landlords to take a pet deposit of up to three weeks’ rent, providing additional financial protection against potential damage.
What to do if a tenant breaches a no-pets clause?
If a tenant keeps a pet in violation of their lease, you have several options. You can seek an injunction from the court to have the animal removed, or in more serious cases of lease breaches, you could pursue forfeiture of the lease. You may also be able to claim damages if the pet has caused harm to the property.
How does the Renters’ Rights Bill change landlords’ obligations around pets?
The Renters’ Rights Bill will introduce significant new, legally binding obligations for landlords.
Key requirements under the new legislation:
- Individual consideration: Blanket bans will not be permissible and each pet request must be assessed on its merits.
- Response timeframe: Written responses must be provided within a reasonable time frame of receiving a pet request, typically 28 days.
- Reasonable refusal only: You must have valid grounds for refusal (e.g., property size, lease restrictions) and communicate them clearly.
- Challenge process: Tenants can appeal unreasonable decisions via the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman or courts, so your reasoning must be sound and well-documented.
- Insurance requirements: Landlords can require pet damage insurance to provide reassurance against potential property damage.
How can landlords prepare for changing legal obligations?
Proactive preparation is key. Landlords should be ready to comply with the new legislation:
- Review existing leases: Understand what the head lease for your property says about pets – this will be a valid reason for refusal.
- Avoid Blanket Bans: Start removing blanket ‘no pets’ clauses from tenancy agreements now.
- Develop fair assessment criteria: Create a clear internal process for how you will handle tenant requests for pets based on property suitability, pet type, and tenant history to ensure consistency.
- Understand reasonable refusal grounds: Familiarise yourself with the likely acceptable reasons for saying no, such as animal welfare, property size limitations, existing tenant allergies, building-specific restrictions, or concerns about specific animal types.
- Prepare documentation: Develop template responses and request forms to ensure consistent, compliant handling of pet applications.
- Staff training: Ensure all team members understand the new requirements and assessment processes.
How do landlords deal with existing tenants when updating agreements to reflect new laws?
Transitioning existing tenancies to comply with new legislation requires careful handling. Here are some practical approaches to consider:
- Communicate changes early: Inform existing tenants about policy updates and their new rights
- Review existing agreements: Identify tenants who may have been previously denied pet ownership
- Voluntary agreement updates: Offer to update tenancy terms to reflect new rights
- Grandfathering arrangements: Consider how to handle tenants who acquired pets in anticipation of law changes
Remember that existing contractual terms remain valid until tenancy renewal or mutual agreement to vary terms.
How can landlords/freeholders manage the risks and responsibilities of enforcing pet clauses across leasehold flats?
Managing pet policies across a block of leasehold flats presents unique challenges particularly for freeholders and Residents Management Companies (RMCs). The complexity increases significantly when dealing with multiple tenants, communal areas, and competing interests between leaseholders.
The risk is not just about property damage, but also about legal compliance, managing disputes between residents, and ensuring consistent enforcement of lease clauses. This is where a professional block manager can be invaluable.
Specialist residential property management services provided by managing agents like Red Brick Management can help landlords, freeholders, and RMCs to:
- Stay Ahead of Legal Changes: We keep on top of evolving legislation like the Renters’ Rights Bill to ensure your property remains compliant.
- Handle Resident Communications: We can manage all pet requests, complaints, and potential disputes professionally and impartially.
- Ensure Fair and Consistent Enforcement: We apply the rules of the lease fairly across all properties to avoid claims of discrimination or unfair practice.
- Minimise Liability: We coordinate with insurers and legal advisors to ensure your policies are robust and your liability is minimised.
Conclusion
The question of “can you have pets in leasehold flats?” has never been more relevant. For tenants and leaseholders, the direction of travel is positive, with new legislation poised to make pet ownership more accessible. For landlords and freeholders, the changes demand a more considered, less rigid approach to property management.
Ultimately, the key to a harmonious environment is clear communication, a thorough understanding of your lease agreement, and a willingness to negotiate reasonably. As the law evolves, staying informed is the best strategy for ensuring that both residents and their pets can live together happily.
This article is written to the best of our knowledge based on current legislation and proposed changes. However, property law is complex and individual circumstances vary significantly. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Always conduct your own due diligence and consult with qualified legal professionals regarding your specific lease terms, rights, responsibilities, and how current or proposed legislation may affect you.
