Pet Policy for Landlords and Tenants

byTrevor Hames

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Our Approach

At Cambridge Property Lettings, we recognise that for many people, pets are an important part of the family.

This policy is designed to help landlords and tenants take a fair, balanced, and practical approach when considering requests for pets in rented homes. It is based on information from RSPCA and Blue Cross.

We aim to:

  • Ensure the welfare of the animal is always considered
  • Support responsible pet ownership
  • Protect the property and landlord’s investment

Legal Position

Under the Renters’ Rights Act (from 1 May 2026):

  • Tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet
  • Landlords must not unreasonably refuse that request
  • Blanket “no pets” policies are no longer appropriate
  • Each request must be considered on its own merits

Examples of reasonable refusal

  • Property too small for the pet (e.g. a large dog in a studio flat)
  • Lease or superior landlord restrictions
  • Other occupants with severe allergies
  • Dangerous or banned animals

Examples of unreasonable refusal

  • Personal dislike of animals
  • Previous bad experiences with tenants’ pets
  • General concerns about damage without specific evidence

Our Key Principles

All pet requests will be considered using the following principles:

Individual Assessment

Every request is assessed based on:

  • The specific animal
  • The specific property
  • The tenant’s circumstances

Animal Welfare First

We follow guidance from organisations such as the RSPCA and Blue Cross to ensure pets are kept in suitable conditions.

Suitability Over Preference

The key question is:

“Is this property suitable for this pet to live safely, comfortably, and healthily?”

Property Suitability

When assessing a property, we consider:

  • Size and layout
  • Access to outdoor space
  • Ventilation and temperature
  • Neighbouring properties
  • Safety risks

Example

A dog may suit a house with a garden but not a small upper-floor flat.

A hamster or gerbil may be suitable for most properties due to its contained environment.

Types of Pets Considered

We regularly receive requests for a wide range of pets, including:

  • Dogs and puppies
  • Cats
  • Rabbits and guinea pigs
  • Hamsters, gerbils, and rats
  • Birds (including parrots, budgies, cockatiels)
  • Reptiles (such as snakes, geckos, or lizards)
  • Fish (aquariums)

Each type of pet will have different considerations.

Species-Specific Guidance (Examples)

Dogs

  • Require exercise and outdoor access
  • May not suit smaller flats or properties with noise sensitivity
  • Typically better suited to houses or ground-floor properties

Cats

  • Can adapt well to indoor living
  • Outdoor access should be safely considered
  • Some risk of scratching furniture

Rabbits & Small Animals

  • Require more space than often assumed
  • Must not be confined to small cages
  • Need enrichment and regular exercise

Birds (e.g. parrots)

  • Can be noisy and require interaction
  • Larger birds need space and stimulation

Reptiles (e.g. snakes, lizards)

  • Usually contained in tanks
  • Require controlled heating and safe housing
  • Generally low damage risk but require proper setup

Small caged pets (hamsters, gerbils, rats)

  • Typically low impact on property
  • Suitable for most homes if well maintained

Tenant Responsibilities

Tenants requesting a pet should provide:

  • Details of the pet (type, breed, size, age)
  • Evidence of responsible ownership where possible
  • A clear plan for:
    • Cleaning
    • Noise management
    • Supervision
    • Ongoing care

Tenants should also understand the long-term commitment involved.

Property Risk Considerations

When assessing risk, we will consider:

  • Potential damage (floors, furnishings, gardens)
  • Noise impact on neighbours
  • Cleanliness and hygiene
  • Suitability of the property layout

Importantly, general concerns alone are not sufficient — decisions must be based on the specific situation.

Decision Process

We follow a clear and fair process:

  1. Receive request (written with full details)
  2. Assess welfare suitability
  3. Assess property suitability and risk
  4. Review tenant responsibility
  5. Seek the landlord’s instructions who makes the final decision
  6. Provide a clear written decision

Approval Conditions

Where a pet is approved, this may include:

  • Permission for a specific named pet only
  • Recommendation of a professional cleaning at tenancy end
  • Requirement to maintain the property and garden
  • Recommendation of appropriate insurance cover

Clear Communication

All decisions will be:

  • Confirmed in writing
  • Clearly explained
  • Based on evidence and reasoning

Our Overall Approach

At Cambridge Property Lettings, we believe that:

  • Many pets can be accommodated successfully
  • Good tenants with pets often make long-term, responsible occupants
  • A balanced, informed approach benefits both landlords and tenants

A request will generally be approved where:

  • The property is suitable
  • Risks are manageable
  • The tenant demonstrates responsible ownership

Final Thought

Allowing pets does not need to be a risk with the right approach; it can be a positive decision for both landlords and tenants.

If you have any questions about this policy or a specific request, our team is always happy to help.

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