Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Team from a report by The Negotiator. Read the original article for full details.
Propertymark Launches Guide to Tenant Pet Requests for Letting Agents
Propertymark has launched a renting with pets guide for its letting agent members, aimed at helping them manage pet requests fairly, reduce risk and prevent disputes. The resource offers advice on handling pet requests in rented homes, focusing on clear communication, appropriate decision-making and understanding the responsibilities of landlords, tenants and agents.
The guide provides an overview of the different rules applying across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. In England, for example, the Renters' Rights Act 2025 gives tenants the right to request permission to keep a pet, with landlords required to consider requests and unable to refuse them unreasonably. It explains the 28-day timeframe for considering a request and examples of circumstances that may constitute reasonable grounds for refusal. The Scottish Government has legislated for pet protections as part of the Housing (Scotland) Act 2025. Agents and their landlords should also be aware of the different deposit rules and amounts depending on where they operate across Britain.
With pet ownership an increasingly important consideration for people looking for a home, Propertymark is encouraging agents and landlords to have open conversations about pets from the outset. The guide highlights that allowing pets can make a property more desirable, encourage longer tenancies and help tackle issues such as isolation and loneliness. Research suggests that pet-related damage is less than half that of non-pet-related damage, while tenants with pets stay in properties for longer on average. Propertymark says this can provide financial benefits for landlords who support responsible pet ownership.
The guide sets out practical steps agents can take, including assessing whether a property is suitable for the type and size of pet, checking lease restrictions and encouraging tenants to provide relevant information such as landlord and veterinary references and a pet CV. It also recommends meetings between landlords, tenants and pets where appropriate, helping all parties understand expectations before a tenancy begins. Propertymark also highlights the importance of robust inventories and regular inspections. Clear records can help protect both landlords and tenants and provide evidence if a dispute arises over damage or the condition of a property.
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. Our new guide is designed to give property professionals practical advice to help them navigate these conversations confidently and consistently. Good processes, clear communication and thorough record-keeping can help agents and landlords manage risk while also supporting responsible pet ownership. 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. By taking a proactive approach to pet requests, agents can help prevent disputes and support longer, more sustainable tenancies."
Source: The Negotiator