The New Pet Rules: What Hailsham & Eastbourne Landlords Need to Know

The new pet rules are one of the big changes in the Renters’ Rights Act in England. Here we’ll explain what they mean for landlords.

The new rules in a nutshell

Tenants now have the right to request a pet. Landlords can only refuse on what the rules call a ‘fair reason’.

How the new rules should work

Tenants must request written permission for every pet. Doing so without permission could be a breach of their tenancy.

They need to explain what type of pet they want, how big it is and how much space it needs.

Landlords must reply in writing within 28 days.

If you give permission, it lasts until the end of that tenancy and cannot be withdrawn. If you’re refusing permission, you must explain why.

When is refusal reasonable?

This is tricky. The rules don’t spell out exactly what’s reasonable and what isn’t.

The rules specifically mention situations where a property is too small for the type or number of pets requested.

So, two fully grown Great Danes in a studio flat is likely to meet that particular bar. But you can probably see it won’t always be an easy call.

If another tenant has an allergy, that’s also a reason.

If your property is leasehold, you can refuse if the lease bans pets or the leaseholder refuses permission.

You can’t refuse just because you don’t want pets, are worried about damage, or think it might make the property difficult to relet in the future.

If a tenant thinks you’re being unreasonable, they can take legal action against you. They can complain to the PRS Landlord Ombudsman when that’s set up, probably later in 2026.

What this means for landlords

Some landlords have allowed pets for decades.

Most people with pets are responsible owners and make good tenants.

While you can’t charge more rent for a pet or charge a pet fee, pet-friendly properties are usually sought after and attract good rents.

You can’t ask for a larger deposit or for the tenant to take out pet insurance. But you can advise they take insurance or take it yourself.

You can ask tenants to pay for pet damage or deduct it from their deposit.

So, let’s be honest. The new rules are a big change. But they might not make much of a difference for landlords who are on the ball.

We do have a slight concern over the vagueness of the new rules.

How they work won’t really be clear until they’ve been running for a while and have been ruled on by the courts.

This vagueness could trip up some landlords under the new rules. Or get caught up in unnecessary arguments with tenants.

We strongly recommend you follow the new rules to the letter. Keep detailed written records of everything. Take expert advice where you need it.

At Crane & Co, we work closely with many local landlords and understand the challenges of navigating an ever-changing rental landscape. If you’d like advice on the local market, property legislation, or your options as a landlord, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Lettings Done Ethically

Many people don’t trust estate agents. We’re trying to fix that.

And that’s why we are proud to be a member of the Ethical Agent Network (EAN).

It’s an independent body that checks our work against strict standards for honesty, service, and how we look after our clients, colleagues, and community.

We’re the only local agency to have passed the EAN bar.

#AgentsYouCanTrust