Lettings experts from Linley & Simpson, Yorkshire, give advice for landlords and renters when it comes to the right to request pets


Today, 20th February 2026, marks National Love Your Pet Day – a dedicated day to show some extra love and shower our furry friends with treats. This National Love Your Pet Day, lettings agents at Linley & Simpson believe there’s an extra reason to celebrate because from 1st May 2026, new rules will give tenants in England’s Private Rented Sector (PRS) the right to request to keep pets.

What is changing from May?

Under the new rules, which are being introduced following the Renters’ Rights Act achieving Royal Assent in 2025, tenants will have a formal right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords will no longer be able to refuse these requests without a valid reason.

Landlords must respond to all pet requests on a case-by-case basis within 28 days and, where a refusal is necessary, clearly demonstrate that the request is unreasonable or unfeasible, for example, due to lease restrictions. Service animals must always be permitted.

Opportunities for tenants and landlords in Yorkshire

This landmark policy change represents a huge opportunity for both tenants and landlords. According to an industry keyword sort tool, the most sought-after feature by renters in 2025 was for a pet-friendly home.

Properties that welcome pets may also encourage tenants to stay longer, helping to reduce turnover and offering landlords greater stability. This can help address concerns around periodic tenancies and tenants’ ability to serve notice more freely.

Renters should make sure they know their rights. Landlords cannot ask for additional ‘pet deposit’ to cover damage caused by any pets. The Government ruled that the standard deposit of one month's rent was enough to cover any possible damage caused by a pet in a property.

However, landlords should not be concerned by this. You can still indicate a preference to let your property as ‘no pets’, and with managing agents in place, you can rely on them to remove any uncertainty and stress by conducting thorough tenant referencing and offering comprehensive insurances. They can also help protect your property by providing detailed inventories at the start of each tenancy, carrying out regular inspections and managing thorough checkouts.

Every property and pet request is different

If as a landlord or tenant you are unsure whether a refusal is reasonable, or how to handle a specific situation, your lettings agents at Linley & Simpson will be happy to talk through your options and provide clear guidance.

This National Love Your Pet Day, both Yorkshire renters and landlords should celebrate the upcoming changes and make sure they’re prepared to embrace the opportunities coming their way from 1st May.