Renters’ Rights Bill: New Pet Rules for Tenants and Landlords

The Renters’ Rights Bill could mark a major change in the way pets are handled in rental properties across England. For the first time, private sector tenants will have a legal ‘right to request a pet,’ meaning landlords must consider the request and respond within a set timeframe – normally within 28 days. They also cannot unreasonably refuse consent. But what does ‘unreasonable’ really mean, and what happens if they say no?