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Landlord’s reply to a tenant’s request to keep a pet (England)
England · in English · for landlords
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For a private landlord or letting agent in England answering a tenant’s written request to keep a pet under section 16A of the Housing Act 1988. Choose one answer: consent, consent with reasonable conditions, a refusal with reasons, or a request for further information — given in writing within 28 days of the request. A refusal must be reasonable and specific to the home and the animal, such as a head lease that forbids pets. The letter confirms that no fee or extra deposit is charged for the pet.
- Made for use in England
- Last updated October 28, 2026
- Document in English
Where a UK document reproduces the words of legislation or of a government publication — UK, Scottish or Northern Irish — it contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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When to use this document
- Your tenant in England has asked in writing to keep a dog and you need to reply.
- You are happy to allow your tenant’s cat but want some conditions in writing.
- The lease of your flat forbids pets and you must explain why you are saying no.
- You need more details about the animal before you can decide on your tenant’s request.
What you fill in
The details the document asks for.
- Landlord
- Landlord's address
- Town or city
- Landlord's postcode
- Date
- Tenant
- Address of the property
- Date of the tenant's request to keep a pet
- The pet: kind, breed, age, size and how it will be cared for
- Your answer
- Conditions, reasons for refusal or information needed (optional)
Common questions
- What reasons can a landlord in England give for refusing a tenant’s pet?
- A reason tied to the property or the animal: a head lease or superior landlord that forbids pets, a home too small or unsuitable for that animal, or a building where it would cause a real nuisance. A general dislike of pets, or worry about wear that the deposit already covers, is likely to be unreasonable. State the reason plainly in writing; it may be tested in court.
- What conditions can I attach when I agree to a tenant’s pet?
- Reasonable conditions that cost the tenant nothing extra to accept: keeping the pet under control, regular flea and worm treatment, no breeding at the property, the garden kept clear, and making good any damage beyond fair wear and tear. You cannot add a pet fee or raise the deposit beyond the Tenant Fees Act cap. Write the conditions in the reply, plainly.
- What happens if a landlord misses the 28 days to answer a pet request?
- The Act requires a written answer within 28 days; if within that time you asked the tenant for more information, by the end of the 28 days or seven days after receiving it, whichever is later, and if you asked a superior landlord, seven days after that landlord’s answer. Missing it breaks the tenancy’s implied terms, which a tenant can take to court, and to the PRS Landlord Ombudsman once membership is compulsory. Answer late rather than not at all, and keep a copy.
How you can sign this document
- Print it and sign by hand. The signature lines in the document are left blank on purpose — sign on them in ink.
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