Tenant application to keep a pet procedure

Tenant application to keep a pet

Introductory comments

The Renters Rights Act will make it more difficult for landlords to prevent tenants from keeping a pet. Having a streamlined application procedure for them to follow will make it more likely that they will notify you first – rather than just keep a pet without your permission.

Below we give some text you could use to describe the procedure to your tenants, followed by some questions you could put on your application form.

It is essential that you are contactable at all times and that you read all messages sent to you. The Renters’ Rights Act sets out a deadline of 28 days for responding to requests to keep a pet. If (after the act has come into force) you fail to respond within that time period, your tenant will be entitled to keep the pet!

So if you are away, make sure you arrange for someone to receive messages on your behalf.

Notes on the procedure

The procedure has been drafted to be used after 1 May and assumes, in its wording that the Renters Rights Act is in force. As it will be undoubtedly later in the tenancy. If you are using it before 1 May then mention this to your tenants.

Here are some comments on the procedure and notes on how you can adapt it to suit your circumstances. Note that if any of the items are omitted you will need to re-number the list.

Introduction – if you know you will not agree to a cat flap, feel free to remove this wording.

Item 5 refers to requesting permission from your freeholders, which you may need to do if your property is leasehold and your lease states that pets can only be allowed with their permission. Delete this if it is not applicable.

Item 6 – The pet form referred to is a form which amends the terms of your tenancy agreement to include various pet clauses. It can be found on the Tenancy Agreement Additional Forms page. It can be used with any tenancy agreement (not just Landlord Law agreements).

Item 7 refers to a fee of £50. Note that this fee can only be charged in England. It is the fee for amending the tenancy agreement and is authorised by the Tenant Fees Act. A higher fee, though, will be unlawful as will charging the fee if permission is not given. If you do not wish to charge a fee then delete this item (and re-number the list)

Item 9 in the procedure refers to your ‘redress scheme’. At the moment, only letting agents are required to be members of a scheme. However, the Renters Rights Act will, in due course, set up a landlord’s redress scheme which you will be required to join, and at that time (if not before) you should include this item in your procedure. If using it before the redress scheme is set up, you could add ‘if any’ at the end.

If your headlease has a total prohibition against pets

The Renters Rights Act recognises this as a valid reason to refuse permission to keep a pet. To avoid problems, we recommend that you notify tenants of this in advance of renting your property, perhaps in the particulars of your advertisements. Ideally, it should also be referred to in your tenancy agreement or House Rules document.

A suitable tenancy agreement clause to replace the normal pet prohibition clause could be:

You must not keep a pet or any kind of animal at the Property. This is because our lease with the freeholders of the property includes a pet prohibition clause. If we were to allow pets, then we would risk forfeiture of our lease. If you keep a pet in breach of this clause, we will therefore have no alternative but to bring proceedings for possession should the pet remain at the property.

Below is the procedure to provide to your tenants. Below that we have some notes on the questions asked in the forms and the reasons for them.

Pet Application Procedure

We recognise that many tenants value the companionship of pets, and the law now supports a more balanced approach to keeping them in rented homes.

Our application process aims to be fair, transparent and straightforward. This procedure explains how to request permission to keep a pet and how we will deal with your request in line with the Renters Rights Act 2025. Please read it carefully and follow the steps so we can make a timely decision within the 28-day period set by law.

If you wish to keep a pet, the legislation requires you to apply in advance in writing, giving details of your pet.

For example, there may need to be some adaptations that need to be done to the property, for which you will need our permission. We may also need to notify our insurers.

It is important that you realise that keeping a pet is a big responsibility and can also be expensive. Particularly if you intend to keep a dog. Expenses can include:

Insurance of the animal (to cover any future vet fees)
Vet fees not covered by insurance
The cost of microchipping
Vaccinations
Flea and other parasite treatment
The cost of pet food

If you have a dog and work away from home, there may also be the cost of dog walkers during the day. You should not leave dogs alone for more than four hours, as they may become distressed and cause damage. Some dogs, in particular, suffer from separation anxiety if you leave them alone, even for a short period.

Be aware also that you will be responsible for the cost if your pet causes any damage to our property (other than fair wear and tear).

If you still wish to keep a pet, you need to follow the following procedure. Note that, as there are different considerations for fish tanks, we have a separate form for these:

Complete our pet application form and email it to us at [email address]. [Provide details about how they find the form]. It is important that you use the correct email address, as we cannot consider an application which we have not received. Or you can send it to us by post or hand it to us personally.
If possible, you should provide a reference for your pet. Ideally, from someone who knows it well, such as a former flatmate or previous landlord.
Once we have your application, we will acknowledge receipt by email, so you will know that it has been received and that the 28-day response period has begun.
We may have some further questions about your pet. If so, we will send them to you at the contact email address you have given us. Your application will then lapse until you have provided this additional information. We will get back to you within 7 days after receiving the information (if this is received outside the initial 28-day period) with our decision.
If our lease prohibits pets without our freeholder’s permission, we will need to contact them to request permission on your behalf. In which case we will not be able to respond to your application until we have heard back from them.
If permission is granted, this will be on condition that you sign our pet form. This amends the terms of your tenancy agreement to permit you to keep your pet and incorporates additional terms relating to the pet’s well-being. We can provide a copy on request.
There will also be a fee of £50
Please do not bring the pet to the property, or install and fish tanks, until you have received written permission and signed the pet form.
If permission to keep your pet is refused, we will provide details in writing, giving our reasons.
If you are unhappy about our decision, you can refer it to our Redress Scheme or apply to the Court.
If permission is granted, please keep a copy of our confirmation and any pet insurance details with your tenancy records.

Pet application form

Your name:
The address of your property:
Which of the following is your pet? Dog / cat / caged bird / fish / rabbit / guinea pig / other small furry animal / tortoise / exotic pet / other (please state)
Please provide more details about the pet and pet type. For example, if it is a dog, what breed is it, and is it male or female? If it is a bird, what type of bird (eg budgie, parrot).
How old is your pet?
Is your pet neutered or spayed? Yes/No/NA
Are vaccinations up to date? Yes/No/NA
(If it is a dog or cat) has it been microchipped? Yes/No/NA
Do you have pet insurance? Yes/No (if yes, please provide details)
Has your pet ever caused damage or nuisance (for example, barking, biting, scratching, fouling)? Yes/No (if yes, please provide details)
How long have you owned this pet?
Will your pet be left alone during the day? If so, for how long and what arrangements are in place (for example, dog walker, friend, pet sitter)?
Please attach a recent photo of your pet.
Can you provide a reference for your pet?
Please nominate someone to look after your pet if you are unable to do so (for example, if you have an accident and need to go to hospital)
What are your preferred contact details (email and phone) for updates about this application?

Note that the information you provide will be used only for considering this pet application and will be stored securely in line with data protection law.

Signed Dated:

Pet application form (fish and fish tanks)

Your name:
The address of your property:
How many fish tanks are you proposing to install at the property, and what size are they?
Where are you proposing to install them? For example, which room/s and where in each room (if more than one).
What are your proposed arrangements for the tank/s, for example, as regards, light, waterproofing, etc.?
Do you have suitable insurance? Yes/No (if yes, please provide details)
Please attach a picture/photograph of the tanks you propose installing.
Can you nominate someone to feed the fish and look after them if you are away and unable to do so (for example, when you go on holiday, if you have an accident and need to go to hospital?)
What are your preferred contact details (email and phone) for updates about this application?

Note that the information you provide will be used only for considering this application and will be stored securely in line with data protection law.

Signed Dated:

Notes on the application forms

Notes refer to the blue item numbers in the draft forms above.

The general pet form:

3. We discuss the different types of animals in our long article Letting to tenants with pets.

5. Knowing the pet’s age helps you assess likely behaviour, energy level, and potential for property damage. Younger pets, especially dogs and cats, tend to be more destructive and may need more supervision.

6. This indicates responsible ownership and helps prevent nuisance issues such as marking, roaming, or aggression.

7. This protects against health risks, particularly in shared gardens, communal areas, or multi-unit buildings.

8. Dogs and cats are required to be microchipped by law.

9. Although this is not required by law, it confirms financial responsibility and reassures the landlord if potential damage and/or veterinary costs are covered. Some vets also have a payment scheme to cover the costs of vaccinations, regular checkups etc, and you may also want to ask them about this.

10. This helps identify behavioural risks and gives context for the landlord’s decision. Also, if the tenant’s answers here turn out to be clearly dishonest, this may help you, for example, if you are considering eviction.

11. A recently acquired pet may still be settling in, while a long-term pet is more predictable and usually lower risk.

12. This demonstrates understanding of animal welfare and prevents complaints from neighbours about barking or distress. Although this question is mainly relevant for dogs, other animals will also suffer if left alone for long periods.

For example, many birds, such as parrots, need companionship and if left alone for long periods will experience stress, loneliness, and boredom, often reacting with high-pitched screeching, destructive behaviour, or feather plucking due to their highly social, flock-oriented nature.

13. This provides a clear record of which animal has been approved and avoids later confusion if the tenant acquires another.

14. This ensures smooth communication during the 28-day decision period and avoids disputes about whether contact was attempted.

15. This is important. You will need the contact details of this person so you can contact them if necessary. In default of anyone else, YOU will have the responsibility, although if this is clearly not something you can do, contacting an animal welfare organisation such as the RSPCA is an option. Pets such as dogs can cause a lot of damage if left alone for a very long time, and I am sure you would not want them to starve to death. This is another reason for regular property inspections and maintaining good relations with neighbours.

The fish tank form

3-5 This will allow you to assess whether the tenant’s, plans are suitable for your property. Large tanks could cause a lot of damage if they leak or break.

6. Again, this shows a responsible attitude. Note that you should also check your own insurance.

7. This will give you a clearer idea of what is proposed. If the tenant does not yet own the tank, ask for a copy of an advert for the fish tank they propose installing.

Generally

If you have any questions about this procedure and the forms, please put them on the members’ forum.

Feedback

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