Pets matter to many households, and a clear written process helps owners and tenants understand the decision and the responsibilities that follow. Read the practical information below or request our Pets Guide for a broader conversation about managing pets in a rental.
For a new pet under the rules in force from 1 December 2025, check whether consent is already in place. If a request is needed, give your property manager written details of the animal, how many pets you want to keep and why the property is suitable. The landlord must respond in writing within 21 calendar days. Refusal requires reasonable grounds; approval can include reasonable conditions. Keep the request and response with your tenancy documents.
Existing approval for a pet before 1 December 2025 is treated differently, as is ongoing consent already granted. Disability assist dogs have separate protections. Use Tenancy Services’ current pets guidance and its consent process to check the situation.
Conditions must be fair for the property and the particular pet. A permitted pet bond can be up to two weeks’ rent. A new condition or pet bond cannot simply be added to an approval that predates 1 December 2025. Read the official conditions guidance before agreeing the terms.
Record the starting condition of flooring, doors, outdoor areas and supplied furnishings. Discuss fencing, suitable spaces and any practical concerns before the pet arrives. Keep written approval and conditions, and report damage or maintenance promptly. If circumstances change, tell the property manager early rather than assume the original approval covers a different animal or additional pets.
Our guide offer covers pet requests, consent conditions, pet bonds, property care, potential damage and useful records. Complete the form below and mention the Pets Guide. Alysha will email the latest copy and can discuss the property-management questions with you.
Owners can explore landlord resources; tenants can find tenancy information or report a repair.