Support Pets in Rental Homes: Your Rights in the UK

Pets in Rental Homes

Understanding your rights and responsibilities when living with pets or emotional support animals in rented homes

For many of us, pets are more than just animals — they’re part of the family. But if you live in a rental apartment, having a pet can be tricky. Between lease agreements, building policies, and potential fees, it’s important to know your rights and responsibilities.

While ESAs don’t currently have the same legal protections as assistance dogs under UK law, some housing providers may be willing to make reasonable accommodations. Let's look at what that means in practice.

1. What Does Your Tenancy Agreement Say?

The starting point is always your tenancy agreement. Most UK rental contracts include a “no pets” clause, though this is slowly changing. In 2021, the UK Government updated the Model Tenancy Agreement - a template often used for Assured Shorthold Tenancies, to make it easier for tenants to keep pets. Under the new model:

• Landlords are encouraged not to unreasonably withhold consent to pets.

• They must respond to written pet requests within 28 days and provide a valid reason if refusing.

However, landlords aren’t yet legally required to use this model, and many still include blanket “no pet” rules.

2. Can a Landlord Say No to Pets?

Yes - unless there’s a specific clause allowing pets, a landlord can prohibit animals in the property. Even if there’s no explicit ban, you should always get written permission before bringing in a pet. Common reasons for refusal include:

• Property size or condition

• Lease restrictions (especially in flats or leasehold properties)

• Insurance policies

• Concerns over noise or hygiene

Some landlords may allow pets under certain conditions — such as deep cleaning at the end of tenancy or a slightly higher deposit (though tenancy deposits are capped by law in England under the Tenant Fees Act 2019).

3. How to Request an ESA Accommodation

If you have (or are planning to get) an ESA and your tenancy prohibits pets:

• Speak to your landlord or letting agent respectfully and early.

• Emphasise that this is a support need, not a lifestyle choice.

• Reassure them about cleanliness, noise, and responsibility.

• Provide details about your pet. A smaller, quieter animal with a proven calm nature may be more acceptable to a landlord, especially when paired with reassurances about your responsibility as a tenant. You might want to include:

  • The type of animal (eg. cat, dog, rabbit)

  • Breed and size (eg. small breed, low-shedding, non-aggressive)

  • Age and temperament (eg. older, calm, house-trained)

  • Any relevant training or certifications (eg. obedience training, vet records)

While landlords are not currently required to accept ESAs, many are willing to make exceptions when approached professionally. At Clinicerts, we may be able to assist you with ESA supporting letters, based on a review of your documentation / evidence - where clinically appropriate for patients who rely on their animals for emotional wellbeing.

We offer confidential, GP-signed ESA support letters based on a brief online assessment. Whether you’re making a housing request or simply need documentation to explain how your pet supports your mental health, we're here to help.