For many people, a pet is not an accessory. It is part of the household. A dog by the back door, a cat asleep on the windowsill, or a rabbit in the garden can be part of what turns a property into a home.

Historically, the private rented sector has not always reflected this. Many tenancy agreements included a simple “no pets” clause, and tenants often felt they had little realistic prospect of asking. That is now changing.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants have a clearer right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords must consider that request reasonably. A landlord can still refuse where there is a fair reason, but a blanket refusal will be much harder to justify. In most cases, landlords are expected to respond in writing within 28 days.

This does not mean every pet must be accepted in every property. A large dog in a small flat, restrictions in a superior lease, freeholder rules, insurance issues, allergies in shared accommodation, or genuine welfare and nuisance concerns may still be relevant. The important shift is that the decision should now be based on the individual property, the individual pet, and the facts of the request.

In practice, this may make renting feel a little more human. Tenants who rent long-term increasingly see their rented property as their home, not simply temporary accommodation. The law is beginning to recognise that distinction.

For landlords, the change is not necessarily something to fear. A well-handled pet request can help retain a good tenant, reduce void periods, and support a positive relationship. The key is to respond properly, record the decision, and set reasonable conditions where consent is granted. These might include preventing nuisance, keeping gardens and communal areas clean, repairing any damage, and arranging cleaning or de-infestation where reasonably required.

There will, of course, be cases that require careful judgement. Flats, leasehold buildings, shared accommodation and properties with delicate finishes may all need careful thought. Some requests will be straightforward; others will require more evidence before a fair decision can be made.

The wider point is that the rental market is moving away from automatic rules and towards reasoned decisions. That may bring more administration, but it should also bring more balance.

A pet-friendly rental sector does not mean ignoring property protection. It means recognising that homes are lived in, and that responsible tenants with pets should have the chance to be considered fairly.