Propertymark issues guidance on handling pet requests

Propertymark has issued guidance to letting agents on handling pet requests from tenants. This follows the Renters' Rights Act, which gives private tenants in England the right to request a pet, and prevents landlords and agents from refusing unreasonably.

The guidance recommends assessing each request on its own merits, rather than applying a blanket policy. Agents are advised to check whether a property has suitable space, whether a lease or headlease restricts pets, and how arrangements might work in an HMO. It also flags the separate protections that apply to assistance animals.

Propertymark suggests tenants could provide a pet CV, covering the animal's age, breed, behaviour, training, vaccinations and references from a previous landlord or vet. It also recommends a detailed inventory, regular inspections and a check-out report to help identify any issues early.

On costs, the guidance states landlords can require a property to be returned to its original condition, allowing for fair wear and tear, but cannot require tenants to pay for professional cleaning or flea treatment.

This affects landlords and letting agents in England. The Renters' Rights Act gives private renters the right to request a pet, and landlords and agents cannot refuse a request unreasonably. The Propertymark material is industry guidance from a trade body, not a statutory requirement.

It applies to England. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have separate tenancy frameworks.

Landlords in England need a process for assessing pet requests rather than a standard refusal. Decisions should be based on the specific animal and property, not a general no-pets policy.

• Review any blanket no-pets clauses in your tenancy agreements for properties in England and update them to reflect a case-by-case approach
• Set out clear written terms covering permission for pets, nuisance to neighbours, and tenant responsibility for damage
• Build a simple process for assessing requests, including space, HMO or headlease restrictions, and assistance animal protections
• Keep a dated record of each pet request and decision in case it is challenged
• Check with a solicitor if you're unsure whether a refusal would count as reasonable under the Renters' Rights Act