Landlord pet insurance: Preparing for more tenants requesting pets
August 5, 2026The Renters’ Rights Act, which came into force on 1 May 2026, has introduced significant changes for landlords and tenants when it comes to keeping pets in rented homes.
What has changed?
The changes introduced by the Renters’ Rights Act were anticipated in this article.
Landlords have almost certainly had many tenants requesting pets in the past, before the introduction of the latest legislation. What has changed is that in the past, landlords could simply refuse a request without giving any reason at all. In the future, they are generally required to give any request reasonable consideration.
Reasonable consideration means the landlord cannot simply issue a blanket refusal but must set out the reasons in a written response to the tenant’s request within 28 days of receiving it.
Can landlords refuse pets under the Renters’ Rights Act?
Landlords may still be able to refuse a tenant’s request to keep a pet, provided they have a reasonable justification for doing so. Examples of circumstances in which a landlord may be able to refuse include:
- the size of the rented property makes it too small for a large pet or several pets;
- another of the tenants has an allergy to animals;
- it is illegal to own the pet requested by the tenant; or
- the landlord is a leaseholder of the property, and the freeholder specifically forbids pets.
What are the likely implications for landlords?
One likely consequence of the new legislation is that more tenants may request permission to keep pets – more than half of all households in England and Wales already own a pet, says the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA).
As a result, landlords may need to consider factors such as the size of the property, the type and number of pets requested, and any restrictions contained within a leasehold agreement. Many landlords will also be concerned about the potential impact pets may have on the condition of their property.
Although concerns about possible damage alone may not always justify refusing a request, many landlords will understandably wish to consider the potential risks to their property.
What damage can pets cause to a rental property?
Most pets never cause significant damage, but landlords should still understand the potential risks.
Depending on the type of pet and how it is cared for, damage might include scratched doors, chewed skirting boards, stained carpets, damaged flooring, flea infestations or damage to gardens. Regular inspections and good communication with tenants can help identify and address issues before they become more serious.
Does landlord insurance cover pet damage?
It depends on the policy you choose.
Some landlord insurance policies include accidental damage caused by tenants’ pets as standard, while others offer it as an optional extension.
For example, eligible residential landlord insurance policies arranged by Alan Blunden can include an optional pet damage extension, subject to the policy terms, conditions and exclusions.
Are there steps to guard against the risks of tenants’ pets?
If you are a landlord worried about the potential for damage caused by your tenants’ pets, you might want to review the terms, conditions, and exclusions of your current landlord insurance – especially with respect to accidental damage.
Landlord insurance comes in many forms. Some policies include pet damage cover as standard, while others may offer it as an optional extension.
As with all types of insurance, you may also want to be aware of the damage that is not typically covered – normal wear and tear, for example, or damage caused where a tenant deliberately allows or encourages a pet to cause damage.
Once permission has been granted, regular property inspections (where permitted under the tenancy agreement and with appropriate notice), together with written records and photographs of the property’s condition, can help identify any issues at an early stage. Maintaining open communication with tenants about responsible pet ownership may also help prevent minor issues from becoming more significant problems.
Disclaimer: This article is intended as general guidance only and does not constitute legal or insurance advice. Cover, terms, conditions, exclusions and limits vary between landlord insurance policies. Always check your policy documents and the latest legal requirements before relying on this information.