Pet Request — Response Template

A blank response template for landlords replying to a tenant's written request to keep a pet. Reflects the 28-day deadline and 'not unreasonably refused' rule introduced by the Renters' Rights Act 2025.

*The 28-day statutory reply rule under the Renters' Rights Act 2025*

Last reviewed: 2026-09-28. Next review: 2026-12-28.

Fillable response form

Print this page, fill it in, sign it and serve it on the tenant by a method that proves receipt. Keep a copy on file with proof of service.

What the law says

Under the Renters' Rights Act 2025, a tenant of an assured tenancy in England has a statutory right to request to keep a pet. The landlord must respond in writing within 28 days of the request.

The landlord can only refuse on reasonable grounds. Examples of reasonable refusal may include a freeholder/leaseholder prohibition or a clear suitability problem with the property. Blanket 'no pets' policies are no longer enforceable.

The 28-day clock

• The clock starts on the date you receive the tenant's written request.
• You must reply in writing (email is sufficient) within 28 days.
• If you ask for more information within 28 days, once the tenant gives it you have either the rest of the original 28 days or an extra 7 days to decide, whichever is later. If a superior landlord's consent is needed, you can decide up to 7 days after their reply. Or you can agree a later date with the tenant (Housing Act 1988 s.16A(2)–(4)).
• The Act does not say consent is automatically given if you miss the deadline — but missing it breaches the implied term of the tenancy, so always reply in time.

Response template (fill in the blanks)

Dear [tenant name],

Thank you for your written request dated [date of tenant's request] to keep [type / number / description of pet] at [property address].

I confirm I received your request on [date received]. Within the 28-day period set out in the Renters' Rights Act 2025, my decision is as follows:

[ ] CONSENT GIVEN. I consent to the pet on the conditions set out below.

[ ] CONSENT REFUSED. I am unable to consent for the reasons set out below.

[ ] MORE INFORMATION NEEDED. Please provide the following before I can decide: [list].

Conditions of consent (if consent given):

1. The tenant is responsible for repairing any damage caused by the pet beyond fair wear and tear.

2. The tenant ensures the pet does not cause nuisance to neighbours.

Reasons for refusal (if refused) — be specific and evidence-based, e.g. a copy of the freehold lease prohibiting pets:

[reason]

Yours sincerely,

[landlord name] [date]

Common mistakes to avoid

• Ignoring the request — you must reply in writing within the time limits in section 16A.
• Refusing with a blanket 'no pets' line — not lawful under the RRA 2025.
• Failing to put the response in writing — a phone-call refusal is not enforceable.

Sources: - legislation.gov.uk — Housing Act 1988 s.16A (as inserted by the Renters' Rights Act 2025) — https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/50/section/16A - GOV.UK — Guidance for landlords — https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/how-to-let