Renting with Pets: The New Rules for Landlords

Renting with pets used to be challenging for tenants across Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, and the surrounding areas. But thanks to the Renters' Rights Bill, landlords will soon be legally required to consider pet requests - and this represents yet another area where professional letting agents like Best Nest Properties can provide invaluable support to landlords.

The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Rentals

According to recent industry reports, 54% of tenants already have a pet or would like one if the rules were more accommodating. Yet, despite this demand, only 7% of rental properties across the UK are listed as 'pet-friendly'.

 

Many of our landlords in Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent have expressed concerns about the potential risks associated with pets in their properties, such as:

• Costs of repairs

• Need for deep cleaning

• Deterring future tenants with allergies

However, with the Renters' Rights Bill advocating responsible pet ownership in the private rented sector (PRS), Best Nest Properties is here to help landlords understand:

• When they must consider a pet request

• When they have the right to say no

• How to protect their investment when allowing pets

Key Changes in the Renters' Rights Bill Regarding Pets

Currently, allowing pets is at the landlord's discretion. However, when the Renters' Rights Bill becomes effective, tenants will have stronger rights to request a furry, feathery, or scaly companion. The new guidelines are:

• No blanket bans - The Bill allows tenants to ask landlords for permission to live with pets.

• Fair consideration required - Landlords must consider each pet request fairly, and if they refuse, they need reasonable justification.

• Right to challenge - If tenants believe a refusal is unfair, they can appeal.

 

The Bill also recognises landlords' concerns about damage, addressing them through:

• Pet damage insurance - Landlords will be able to require tenants to have pet damage insurance to cover any damage.

• Cost transfer - If the landlord arranges the insurance, they can pass the reasonable cost on to the tenant.

When Can a Landlord Refuse a Pet?

While the government is still clarifying the exact grounds for refusal, there are some situations where landlords can legitimately say no:

1. Lease Restrictions

If your property is leasehold and the superior landlord or freeholder has a no-pets clause, you have no choice but to refuse the request. 

2. Health Concerns

Valid health-related reasons include:

• If you have severe pet allergies that prevent you from visiting the property

• If other tenants in the building have severe allergies 

3. Pet Health and Safety

If a pet doesn't have up-to-date vaccinations or is infested with parasites, this poses a health risk to the property and future tenants.

4. Unsuitable Property

Some properties simply aren't suitable for certain pets. For example:

• Keeping a large dog in a small flat with no outdoor space 

• Keeping a dog with mobility issues in a top-floor flat

• Properties with specific restrictions due to proximity to nature reserves or protected areas in Cheshire

What Happens If a Landlord Refuses Unreasonably?

As your letting agent, Best Nest Properties ensures that all pet requests are handled fairly and professionally. If landlords refuse without a valid reason, tenants can challenge the decision through the Private Rented Sector Ombudsman. This is precisely why having a professional letting agent is becoming increasingly valuable - we maintain comprehensive documentation of all decisions to protect our landlords from potential disputes.

What If a Pet Damages the Property?

The Renters' Rights Bill proposes that landlords can require tenants to have pet damage insurance. Additionally, the tenancy deposit can be used for repairs caused by pet damage, though landlords can't claim twice if they've already been reimbursed through insurance.

In rare cases where damage exceeds both insurance coverage and the deposit, legal action may be necessary to recover costs - another situation where having a professional letting agent proves invaluable.

Why This Makes Professional Letting Agents More Important Than Ever

The Renters' Rights Bill is expected to become effective between October and December 2025, and this represents yet another significant change to navigate in an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. Here's why professional letting agents like Best Nest Properties are becoming essential for landlords in Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent:

1. Regulatory Compliance

We stay up-to-date with all legislation affecting the private rental sector, from the recent compliance changes regarding AML and financial sanctions to the upcoming pet provisions.

2. Documentation and Evidence

Our systems create clear audit trails of all communications, including time-stamped tenant requests and landlord responses - crucial if decisions are challenged before the Ombudsman.

3. Insurance Solutions

We're developing relationships with insurance providers to offer comprehensive pet damage insurance options, giving our landlords peace of mind.

4. Experience and Expertise

Our team has extensive experience mediating between tenant requests and landlord concerns, helping to find solutions that work for all parties. We already have a Pet Approval Form to ensure that all information about pets is declared prior to them living in a rental home managed by Best Nest.

5. Local Knowledge

Our deep understanding of the Crewe and Stoke-on-Trent rental markets means we can provide tailored advice about the suitability of specific properties for pets.

Final Thoughts

The changing landscape of renting with pets represents one more area where professional management can save landlords time, stress, and potentially costly mistakes. At Best Nest Properties, we're committed to helping our landlords navigate these changes successfully, maintaining profitable, well-managed properties while staying on the right side of the law.

If you're a landlord in Crewe, Stoke-on-Trent, or the surrounding areas concerned about how these changes might affect your property, we invite you to contact our team for a no-obligation discussion about how we can help.

 

This article is intended as a guide only and does not constitute legal advice. For more information, visit gov.uk or contact Best Nest Properties directly.