One of the most nerve-wracking parts of dog ownership is finding the perfect home for you and your pet when relocating. Finding the perfect flat or house is tricky enough, but making sure your furry friend can live with you is another ball game for pet owners.
Then there's the Renters (Reform) Bill. Pets were a key subject when this was announced in parliament in May 2023 - but what does this mean for the tenancy system in UK households now?
In this article, we explain all you need to know, including the latest info on updates to the law. And, as many landlords have made it difficult to rent with a pet until now, we're sharing our top advice and tips, to give you the best chance of renting with pets - and be on top of costs as a responsible pet owner.
What is the new law on having a pet in a rented flat or house?
Can landlords refuse pets in 2024?
The new law that aims to help pet owners is the Renters Rights Bill, previously known as the Renters (Reform) Bill. This change in the law focuses on more explicit tenant rights in the private rented sector. The bill focused on pet owners, but also other critical factors such as renewed home standards for rented accommodation, anti-discrimination measures, and enhanced tenant rights.
Regarding renters' rights for pets, pets and owners are supported by the bill's clause allowing dogs in the private rented sector and rewarding responsible pet ownership.
The Renters Rights Bill would give tenants the right to request to keep a pet and with that, the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse this request. However, the bill only kicks in for the tenant once they have established a tenancy, not during the negotiation stage.
Once you are a tenant, you will be able to issue a complaint to the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman if you feel that your landlord has unreasonably refused your pet. In short, you can take the case to court.
Is the new law in effect yet?
Short answer: no.
Here's the history: the Renters (Reform) Bill first gained public attention in 2023 when it was brought into the House of Commons by the previous Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities under Michael Gove. In early 2024, it entered the House of Lords. However, in May 2024, all parliamentary activity was paused following the announcement of a new general election on July 4th.
However, on the 17th of July 2024, HRH King Charles III's King's Speech outlined how the new Labour Government plans to progress the bill. Over the coming months, we expect to see updates regarding the Renters Rights Bill, which is very similar to the Renters Reform Bill in content.
This means that currently, landlords can still refuse pets until the new Renters Rights Bill reaches Royal Assent.Is there hope for UK renters right now?
Yes, there is some hope for pet owners in the meantime, as the Model Tenancy Agreement is currently in place to encourage landlords to be more lenient about their rental properties. This includes being more pet friendly.
The Model Tenancy Agreement is a draft contract written between a landlord and their tenant. Within this tenancy agreement, there is a clause (C3*) in which you have the right to request to live with your pet; which requires landlords to respond to you within 28 days to refuse your request, and they would need a 'good reason' to refuse, for example, the size of the property is too small for your pet.
What are your legal rights as a tenant with a pet in the UK?
Currently, the Model Tenancy Agreement is just a guideline that private landlords can choose to use, but the clause in the Renters (Reform) Bill on pet ownership will make it mandatory for landlords renting to allow you to request to rent with your pet.
How to get started renting with a pet
So, now you know the background on your rights as a pet owner renting in the UK, we have created some tools and templates to ease your - and your dog's - journey into your new home.
To help you get your landlord's permission, you'll need to contact them. We've provided an email template to help you find the right words to say to your landlord to increase your chances of a pet being allowed. Next, we've provided a flat size guide for your dog's breed, so you can double check your rental property is big enough to fit your pet. And finally, we've created a budget tracker to aid (and demonstrate!) responsible pet ownership.
Use this: Email template to speed up your dog's approval process
Subject line: Request to rent with a pet
Dear [Landlord's Name],
I hope this email finds you well.
I am contacting you to request your permission to keep a pet within my rented property. I am aware that some landlords do not allow animals, but please consider my request, as I have read up on the 2021 Model Tenancy Agreement (MTA) and would love to live with my [dog/cat/____].
As a responsible pet owner, I have attached a letter from my veterinarian showing that my pet is up to date with their vaccinations and has a clean bill of health. I can also confirm that my pet is well suited to live comfortably in the space available within the property, as they are [insert pet size] and the space is [insert rental space]. I am willing and able to cover the costs of any potential damage caused by my pet, and I promise my pet will not be causing nuisance to other tenants.
I am happy to discuss the matter further to add my pet to the lease agreement - as I understand you operate on a case-by-case basis - outlining my responsibilities as an owner to cover any potential damages my pet may cause and discussing an appropriate pet tenancy deposit for the rental property in accordance with the 2019 MTA, as below:
“A Tenant must seek the prior written consent of the Landlord should they wish to keep pets or other animals at the Property. A Landlord must not unreasonably withhold or delay a written request from a Tenant without considering the request on its own merits. The Landlord should accept such a request where they are satisfied the Tenant is a responsible pet owner and the pet is of a kind that is suitable in relation to the nature of the premises at which it will be kept. Consent is deemed to be granted unless a Landlord turns down the written request with good reason in writing within 28 days of receiving the request. A Landlord is prohibited from charging a fee to a Tenant who wishes to keep pets or other animals at the Property. Permission may be given on the condition that the Tenant pays an additional reasonable amount towards the deposit, but the deposit must not breach the deposit cap requirements under the Tenant Fees Act 2019.”
Thank you for reading my email, and considering my request.
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Try this: pet budget tracker for renters
If you've been successful in all the above, congratulations! You've been approved to rent with your dog. Now what?
When it comes to your monthly expenses as pet owners, keeping on top of your new bills and your pet care may seem difficult to start. You may be sat wondering, how much will it cost to keep my dog happy? Depending on the size of your dog, a good chunk of your monthly expenses may be going to just dog food and pet insurance, and that's before any impromptu vet visits you may need to do.
To make life easy for you, we've designed a handy budget tracker to help you keep up with your pet care once you've paid your rent.
Download the FREE Budget Tracker HERE
Budgeting without sacrificing on quality
Some bills are non-negotiable, but finding great dog food at a lower price is certainly possible.
Our Adult dry dog food can be as low as £2.40 per kilo, helping to keep costs down as you make your big move and we cater to different sized breeds, with our Large Adult dog food starting at £2.57 per kilo, and our Dry Small Breed dog food being £3.49 per kilo but specially made to be a smaller pellet to make it easier for small breed dogs to eat.
What’s more, for a 10 kilogram dog, feeding can cost as little as 43p per day. Talk about posh nosh at a proper price! A 15kg bag of dry adult dog food would last 12 weeks, costing a total of just £3.01 per week to feed your four-legged friend.
Making us the affordable choice without skimping on quality or care. outside of your bills, you may want to consider keeping a fund to cover any pet related damage that may need to be addresses later in your tenancy agreement.
Top tips on renting with a dog
Our survey of dog owners in 2023 found that two-thirds (67%) see their pet as a part of their family, so here are our top tips to make your pup feel like a part of your family in your new space.
Being a responsible pet owner can come in many shapes and sizes; for some, it can simply mean having a happy pet, and for others, it's the way they raise their pet to be around others, but here are some basic ways to ensure your pup is happy and healthy and ready for life in rented accommodation.
- Scope the area for green space
You may find your dream flat as a human, but when renting with dogs you want to consider if there is a garden or local green space for them to exercise in. Our survey found that 40% of owners across the UK found that the best quality of their neighbourhood was green space that allowed dogs.
- Create a safe play space in the garden
If you do find a property with garden space, shared or solo, you want to make sure that it's safe for your dog to run wild in. Our tips for making your garden safe include checking the perimeter of the garden space to make sure the borders or fences are secure, and clarifies which plants to avoid planting as they're toxic for dogs.
- Puppy-proof your home
Puppies are a law unto themselves and can be responsible for pet-related damage as they start teething. Our tips for puppy-proofing your home include steps for protecting your furniture and walls, and keeping your pup away from things like electricals. This is another reason it's important to get a place with enough space for your young dog: so they have enough space to play freely without getting too curious about objects around the house that may cause them harm.
- Create a routine for them
Like us, dogs love a routine. So, creating a routine with them will help them acclimate to a new home and feel loved by you. Think: setting a mealtime twice a day, a walking time that they know they can rely on and if you live in a flat, a set time to go outside to do their business.
- Teach your dog to be tidy
Another way to get your pup to feel like part of the family is to involve them in chores. Having them learn to tidy their own toys to a corner with a congratulatory treat when you're tidying your home is a great enrichment activity - and you'll have one less thing to do.
- Consider your pet's diet
Diet is an important factor for responsible pet ownership, making sure they're eating a balanced meal every mealtime is important, so why not try one packed with superfoods too? A good diet will ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to be the best pet ever.
- Make sure to take them for exercise
Make sure they get regular exercise, especially if you live in a flat without much garden space. Pet-friendly parks near your new rental accommodation will become regular spots for you and your furry friend. This also stops them from getting restless in your home. Our dog walking guide will help you make the most of the outdoors.
- Get your pet microchipped
Microchipping your dog is an essential step for responsible pet owners. It will allow them to be identified if they get loose from you when out and about.
- Take time to socialise your dog
Making sure your dog is socialised from a young age can help you as they grow to be an adventurous adult dog. This can help them stay calm around other dogs and people, which is vital for living in rental properties such as flats or terraced houses, as you'll be living near other people and dogs - and your landlord may also check the property from time to time.
- Prioritise their healthcare
Register them with a vet close to your new home when you move in. That way, you won't have to travel far when they need checkups or in case of emergency.
FAQs
What happens if I get a dog without my landlord's permission?
If you bring a pet into a rental property without the proper permissions, you may break the terms of your tenancy agreement, and your landlord can serve you a section 8 notice or a section 21 notice.
A section 8 notice is the start of the eviction process where the eviction is based on possession of a property. This is available to landlords renting their properties on a shorthold tenancy. This can be used to end a tenancy before a contract is up. For a section 8 notice, your landlord will need to give a reason why you are being evicted, for example, breaking your contract by bringing in a pet without permission.
A section 21 notice is another way for the landlord to regain control over their property. Unlike the section 8 notice, they do not have to give you a reason for the eviction. This notice gives you two months to find a new property. You can be taken to court if you overstay this notice.
Does the Renters (Reform) Bill force landlords to accept dogs?
The Renters Rights Bill (formerly the Renters (Reform) Bill) does not force landlords to accept pets, as they can still say no, but only if they have a 'reasonable' defence against letting you have a pet in their property; for example, the whole building is not a pet-friendly property.
What if my landlord asks for a bigger deposit because of my dog?
Your landlord cannot ask for a bigger deposit, but they can increase the cost of your rent during the tenancy period. They also cannot ask you to pay extra for cleaning once you vacate a property because you own a pet.
