Legal experts warn that ambiguity surrounding pet ownership in the Renters Reform Bill could trigger widespread disputes between tenants and landlords.

The proposed ‘Pets in Lets’ provision—still unresolved—would grant tenants the right to request permission for a pet, requiring landlords to respond and only reject such requests on reasonable grounds.

However, one law firm notes that the practical implications remain unclear. Currently, most tenancy agreements include a blanket ‘no pets’ clause, and even in its absence, landlords can refuse without explanation.

The original draft of the Renters Reform Bill allowed landlords to require pet insurance as a condition for approving pet ownership, aiming to mitigate concerns over potential property damage. This measure was later replaced by a House of Lords proposal permitting landlords to request an additional deposit for pet-related risks.

However, the Commons rejected this amendment, asserting that existing tenancy deposit rules were adequate. Consequently, there remains significant uncertainty for both tenants and landlords regarding how damage caused by pets will be addressed in practice.

Lawyers caution that landlords may face a range of challenges beyond property damage when considering pet requests, yet the legislation offers no clear guidance on what constitutes ‘reasonable grounds’ for refusal. For instance, can a landlord reject a pet if it’s likely to disturb neighbours? The Bill remains silent on such scenarios.

Additional gaps include whether consent must be given in writing, whether it applies to a specific animal or merely a category of pet, and whether landlords can later withdraw consent—and under what conditions. These ambiguities leave both parties exposed to uncertainty and potential conflict.

The absence of clear guidance risks escalating tensions between tenants and landlords, complicating the role of letting agents during implementation, and encouraging some landlords to adopt stricter vetting practices or exclude tenants with pets. These outcomes could directly conflict with the Bill’s intention to foster a more inclusive and adaptable rental sector.

Hayley Bruce, from the legal Residential Property team, says: “It’s important that government get this part of the Bill right and strong guidance is provided to give clarity on how pets can be accommodated fairly and responsibly in rented homes. Without that, this part of the Bill risks creating more confusion than confidence.”

The Renters Reform Bill is undergoing final scrutiny as it moves back and forth between the House of Commons and the House of Lords. Royal Assent is anticipated later this autumn.