What To Do If Your Tenant Has a Pet Without Permission in Peterborough?
By Wayne Beecham | Created on 5th May 2026
The tide is turning towards pet owners, with the Renters’ Rights Act changing the rules on pets in rental properties significantly. As of 1 May 2026, you must seriously consider a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
But landlords often get anxious about tenants keeping pets in a rental home without permission. Where exactly do Peterborough landlords stand?
Our landlord services can support you in following the new rules on pet-friendly rentals in Peterborough, or in Wisbech, Kettering, Rushden, Corby, Boston and beyond. Read on as we answer frequently asked questions about the current position on pets in rentals, and what you can do if your tenant brings home a furry friend without permission.
How Many UK Landlords Allow Pets In Their Properties?
Government data suggests that just 7% of landlords allow pets – not many, in an animal-loving nation. According to research from Rightmove, the demand for pet-friendly rental property increased by 120% between 2020 and 2021, with approximately 75% of potential renters owning a pet (or wanting to own one). Given the numbers involved, proactively pet-friendly lettings could be better positioned in the Peterborough rental market.
What Are The Benefits Of Allowing Pets In Rental Properties?
Rental properties and pets can be a beneficial combination. Landlords can capitalise on tenant demand or hold onto settled tenants. Besides the oft-mentioned mental health benefits, responsible pet owners often prefer longer tenancies – and still have a duty to take care of the rental property.
Can Landlords Still Ban Pets From Rental Properties?
The Renters’ Rights Act will make any blanket ban on pets in rental properties, or ‘no pets; clauses in the tenancy agreement, effectively unenforceable. From 1 May 2026, tenants have the statutory right to request to keep a specific pet, and landlords cannot reasonably refuse.
Common justifications for a reasonable refusal could be that the building’s lease prohibits pets, it’s a dangerous animal, or the property is too small for it. Landlords must consider pet requests on a case-by-case basis. You cannot use past experiences with pet damage as valid grounds for refusal, nor concerns about pet smells or cats or dogs causing damage to fixtures and fittings.
If a tenant goes on to get a pet without asking permission, you could potentially go to court to start eviction proceedings under Section 8 of the Housing Act.
How Should Landlords Respond To A Tenant’s Request to Keep A Pet?
There is a formal process landlords and tenants should follow for pet requests under the Renters’ Right Act:
The tenant must submit a written request describing the specific pet.
The landlord has 28 days to respond in writing. If you write requesting further information, you have a further 7 days from their response.
If no response is given within 28 days, the tenants can take their request to court.
Your refusal must set out valid reasons – a blanket ‘no’ is not sufficient.
Tenants can challenge unreasonable refusals (initially through the courts, and later via the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman once it launches in late 2026).
What Are Model Tenancy Agreements And What Do They Say About Pets?
The model tenancy agreement is the government’s recommended contract for landlords. In January 2021, it was changed to make consent for pets in rental homes the default position, meaning that landlords must respond to a request by a tenant to keep a pet within 28 days.
Are There Any Proposed Exemptions For Landlords Under The Bill?
Yes, landlords will likely be able to apply for an exemption certificate for specific properties and groups of properties. For example:
When other tenants (or the landlord) don’t want pets in the vicinity based on religious grounds, the same applies to medical concerns and allergies.
When the premises are deemed unsuitable for the pet.
These certificates of exemption for landlords can apply to:
Collections of properties in the same building or area.
An entire building.
Certain types of animals (or animal breeds).
What Should I Do If My Tenant Asks For Permission To Keep A Pet?
Think about the type and size of pet against the space available, whether you have a garden and whether the home is furnished or unfurnished.
For example, a large dog in a small flat would be unreasonable and unfair to you and the animal. Check for any reasons you can’t allow a pet – lease or insurance conditions, for example. Throughout the process, document everything in writing.
What If My Tenant Has Already Brought The Animal Onto The Premises?
Even under the new rules on pet in private rented properties, tenants must still formally request permission. Keeping a pet without permission breaches the tenancy agreement. Speak to the tenant, ask them to submit a formal request and review it fairly.
Eviction can be stressful and cost you money, so it should be a last resort. Good tenants who take care of the place and pay their rent on time are worth hanging onto.
Allowing a well-behaved pet may be a price worth paying to keep the tenant long-term, avoiding uncertainty or a potential void period. On top of which, courts are unlikely to grant possession due to an otherwise unproblematic pet.
Section 21 is abolished from May 2026, but expanded Section 8 grounds may allow landlords to evict for an unauthorised pet. Ground 12 covers breaches of contract, while grounds 13 and 15 may apply if the pet has damaged the property or contents. As discretionary grounds, you will have to go to court.
What Legal Routes Do I Have If My Tenant Has A Pet Without Permission?
As we’ve said, if your tenant has a pet without permission, contrary to the tenancy agreement, you may be able to bring eviction proceedings using a Section 8 notice. You should be aware, however, that a judge may reject your case if they think your refusal to allow the pet is unfair. You should be prepared to demonstrate that the pet has caused a nuisance to neighbours or damage to the home.
What If My Tenant’s Fixed Term Period Has Ended?
You may be able to use a Section 21 notice to evict your tenant without giving a reason – note that the government has pledged to bring in legislation to end no-fault evictions soon. You would also need to find a new tenant and may have a void period in the meantime.
Can Landlords Require Pet Insurance Or Charge Extra For Pets?
No, under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 you cannot charge separate pet fees, additional pet deposits or higher rent because a tenant has a pet. The Renters’ Rights Bill originally proposed that landlords could require tenants to take out pet damage insurance. However, this provision was removed from the final Act. Instead, landlords can protect themselves against the costs of pet damage by:
Documenting the property’s condition with a thorough inventory at the start of the tenancy, and subsequent inspections.
Using the standard tenancy deposit up to the cap of five weeks’ rent to over pet damage at the end of the tenancy. If the tenancy deposit is already at this level, you can’t ask for more.
Considering landlord insurance for pet damage to the rental property, or encouraging (but not requiring) tenants to take out their own pet insurance policy.
How Can Landlords Protect Their Rental Property From Pet Damage?
If you are worried about damage, ask for a higher tenancy deposit for
Use durable, pet-friendly flooring (avoid carpet where possible).
Ensure garden fencing is secure.
Use washable paint on walls.
Include a detailed pets clause in the tenancy agreement setting out expectations (e.g. no fouling in communal areas, pet must be supervised).
Be proactive and consider pet ownership before the situation arises. Banning pets could put you on the wrong side of the law, but you can maintain expectations from your tenants and their pets in the rented home. Not only that, welcoming pets onto your premises could make yours a sought-after rental and help you let it more quickly.
If you’re a new landlord, we’d be happy to chat about the pros and cons of pet bans and any other aspect of letting property in the Peterborough area – so why not give us a call today?
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Wayne Beecham
Wayne is East Midland’s answer to property management. His hard work and high standards of service have gained him a fierce reputation within the regional lettings market. He knows what it takes to own and manage a profitable portfolio himself, because he is not only a successful investor and landlord, but co-founder and “hands on” managing director of Progressive Lets.
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