Can North London Tenants Have Pets in Rental Property (2026)?

Are pets allowed in rental properties? Will the Renters’ Rights Act make it easier for tenants in Neasden, Cricklewood and Kilburn to keep cats and dogs? In this guide, we’ll be tackling the most common pet-related queries North London landlords are raising. 

What is the law on pets in rental property?  

The law before 1st May 2026  

North London landlords currently have full control over whether they accept domestic animals in a rented home and it is currently permissible to state ‘no pets’ when advertising rental property. Landlords are also within their rights to decline a request to keep a pet during the tenancy.  

Chews, stains, odours, scratches and fleas are real possibilities and there is no guarantee the tenant will fix such issues. Much of the industry’s leniency was wiped out when the Tenant Fees Act 2019 capped deposits at either 5 or 6 weeks’ rent. This prevented landlords taking a higher deposit to use against pet damage – something that created more pet friendly rental properties. 

The law after 1st May 2026  

The Renters’ Rights Act wants to make renting with pets easier for tenants in North London and across England. Incoming legislation will stipulate: 

1. A tenant must make a request in writing if they want to keep a pet 
2. The landlord is obliged to consider each request – they must not unreasonably refuse  
3. Reasonable adjustments should be made for disabled tenants with assistance dogs, as outlined in the Equality Act 2010 
4. The landlord must reply with their decision within 28 days 
5. If the tenant doesn’t receive a response within 28 days, they can take the landlord to court or make a case to the new private rented sector ombudsman when operational (predicted 2028) 
6. A landlord can request additional information, such as the animal’s breed and size 
7. Once additional information is received, the landlord must reply, in writing, in a prescribed timeframe 
8. Pet owners need to request individual permission for each animal 

Timing matters if tenants have a pet already 

Although not widely publicised, landlords can legally take a ‘no pets’ stance when they advertise a vacant let – even after 1^st May 2026. This is because the Renters’ Rights Act pertains to pet requests made by a tenant after they have moved in.  

Can a rental property refuse pets under the new rules?  

The Renters’ Rights Act says landlords will not be able to reasonably refuse a pet request without fair reason but if the reason is valid yes, landlords can ban pets from rental properties. Government criteria will determine whether a landlord is within their rights to refuse requests to keep a pet.  

Reasons to refuse a pet ownership request include: 

• A ‘no domestic animal’ clause has been set by a superior landlord, such a freeholder 
• A tenant has an allergy, applicable in a House in Multiple Occupation  
• The property is too small for the number of pets requested or the size of an individual pet 
• The pet is illegal to own under the Dangerous Dogs Act 1991 

A landlord will not be able to refuse a request simply because: 

• They don’t like animals 
• They had issues with previous tenants who kept a pet 
• There previously experienced pet damage  
• They are concerned about potential future pet damage 

Can landlords charge tenants extra for allowing a pet under the Renters’ Rights Act?  

The Tenant Fees Act 2019 was not altered, therefore landlords will not be able to charge tenants extra or add surcharges. Additionally, a landlord will not be able to force a tenant to take out a specific pet damage insurance policy, nor will they be able to recoup the cost of taking out such a policy by billing the tenant.  

The pros & cons of allowing pets in rental property  

So, we have answered the question ‘are pets allowed in rental properties?’ but does this mean landlords should automatically give permission? Here are some pros and cons to consider: 

Pros 

• Attract a wider pool of tenants, including many responsible pet lovers 
• Potential to charge a higher rent in return for pet ownership permission 
• Loyalty from tenants who appreciate being able to keep a pet 
• Happier tenants who are more respectful of the property 

Cons 

• Damage to interiors and gardens that exceeds the deposit taken 
• Extended void periods between tenancies to facilitate repairs and deep cleaning 
• Potential for complaints about anti-social and nuisance behaviour 

How can I resolve disputes with the tenant about pets?  

If a tenant challenges a landlord’s decision to refuse a pet, the landlord can make a counter claim through the courts, or use the new private rented sector ombudsman when established. If a request is refused buy the tenant keeps a pet, this may constitute a tenancy agreement breach and warrant a Section 8 notice. If there are any animal welfare concerns, the landlord should contact the RSPCA, the local council or the police.  

Conclusion 

Reassuringly, an article in The Negotiator revealed deposit protection services handle very few pet-related disputes. Landlords with property in Kensal Rise, Harlesden and across North London can seek further comfort by contacting previous landlords to ask how well behaved the pets were, as well as ask the tenant for evidence of any training. In return, North London landlords may get the best renter in their buy-to-let journey. 

If you need help navigating the Renters’ Rights Act – including the incoming pet legislation – or need help selecting the best tenant, please get in touch.