Pets can no longer be refused from properties without good reason in England, as the Renters Rights Act 2026 comes into force.
"For too long, renters in England have been unfairly denied the potential joy of pet ownership" explains David Bowles, the head of public affairs at the RSPCA. "This ends thanks to this law".
A lifeline for pet owners
This change in the law is a lifeline for animals across England, he continued, with rescue centres full to bursting and prospective adopters fearful of breaching their rental contracts.
The RSPCA believes the Act, which came into effect on the 1st of May, will help facilitate happier, healthier tenants, while also helping to address the pet rehoming crisis.
Relief for current tenants
The head of public affairs told of cases where tenants have had to leave their animals behind in order to access housing. Moving forward, everything will change.
Landlords will now be requested to review requests on a case-by-case basis. They have just 28 days to respond, and cannot "unreasonably refuse" an application.