Propertymark has published a guide for letting agents on managing tenant pet requests, addressing evolving regulations across the UK and providing practical advice on risk management and dispute prevention.
The resource covers the regulatory frameworks in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, with particular focus on the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 in England, which grants tenants the right to request permission to keep pets. Under the legislation, landlords must consider requests within 28 days and cannot refuse unreasonably.
Scotland has introduced similar protections through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. The guide notes that agents must be aware of varying deposit rules and amounts across Britain.
Market implications
Propertymark cites research indicating that pet-related damage accounts for less than half of non-pet-related damage, while tenants with pets typically remain in properties for longer periods. The organisation suggests this could provide financial benefits for landlords, particularly as rental yields continue to perform strongly across the market.
The guide recommends that allowing pets can increase property desirability and encourage longer tenancies, factors that may appeal to landlords seeking stable rental income.
Practical steps
The document outlines procedures for agents, including assessing property suitability for specific pet types and sizes, checking lease restrictions, and requesting information such as landlord references, veterinary references and pet CVs from prospective tenants.
Propertymark also recommends arranging meetings between landlords, tenants and pets where appropriate, and emphasises the importance of detailed inventories and regular inspections to protect both parties in potential disputes.
Henry Griffith, Senior Policy and Campaigns Officer at Propertymark, said: “Pets are an important consideration for many people looking for a rented home, and the way pet requests are handled can have a significant impact on the landlord, tenant and the wider tenancy.”
He added: “The regulatory position is also evolving across the UK, so it is increasingly important that agents understand the rules that apply in their area and can give landlords and tenants accurate, practical guidance.”
The guidance arrives as regulatory changes across the rental sector continue to reshape landlord and agent obligations. The publication aims to help property professionals navigate pet requests consistently while managing risk and supporting longer tenancy periods.
