Reference · Jurisdiction
How pet requests work in England’s assured periodic tenancies
Under England’s rules for assured periodic tenancies, a tenant asks the landlord in writing before keeping a pet. The landlord must consider the request and usually has 28 days to respond. The guidance sets out how extra information affects the decision period and what can make refusal reasonable.
Sources checked
- 01Send the request
Describe the animal and keep a copy of the written request. Source 1
- 02Track the response
The ordinary response window is 28 days. Source 1
- 03Respond to information requests
The decision is then due by the later of the original deadline or seven days after the information is provided. Source 1
- 04Keep the decision
A refusal should explain the reason. Keep the written agreement if approved. Source 1
Ask for each new pet and include enough information for the landlord to consider it.
Check which tenancy the new procedure covers
The government says most existing assured shorthold tenancies became assured periodic tenancies on 1 May 2026. The pet request procedure applies to assured periodic tenancies in England. Use the written request before getting or keeping a pet. Source 2 Source 1
The information request can move the deadline
If the landlord asks for additional information, supply it in writing. The later of seven days after receipt and the remaining original 28-day window determines when the decision is due. If the tenant does not respond, the government says the landlord does not have to consider the request. Source 1
A refusal needs a reason that fits the case
The guidance gives examples including an allergy in the household, a property too small for the pet or a freeholder’s restriction. General dislike of pets or past experience with someone else’s pet is ordinarily an unreasonable reason on its own. Source 1
Consent and damage are separate matters
The government says an approved pet can stay even if the landlord later changes their mind. The tenant still asks again before adding a pet. If a pet causes damage, the landlord can seek repair costs through the deposit process. Source 1