Friday 22-05-2026 - 09:00

 

Part 4: Cats the Musical (getting a pet)

 

 

We are back again to give you the full run down on the Renters’ Rights Act! (Remember you can read the full doc here).

This week is all about cats and dogs and hamsters and goldfish and snakes and chinchillas and rabbits and bearded dragons and other animals humans sometimes keep as domesticated pets.

 

Your new housemate? Remember: they won’t pay rent and are unlikely to do the washing up.

 

You now have the right to request a pet! 

Landlords can now only refuse a pet in HMO and smaller non-HMO properties with a valid reason. 

 

Your new housemate about to deposit a very valid reason.

 

However, you can only place this request after you have moved in, and landlords may use the potential for welfare issues in students’ homes to refuse the request.  

Other reasonable refusals may include: 

• The property being too small to accommodate the pet ,

• Another tenant having allergies/objecting to the pet ,

• The pet is illegal to own or classified as dangerous,

• If consent is required from a superior landlord and is refused,

• The pet has behaviour or needs that the property is not suitable for.

 

Note: If you’re thinking of getting a pet, do your research! They can take a lot of work alongside studies, and student accommodation may not always be an appropriate place for them.

If in doubt, we recommend consulting reputable animal welfare or animal rescue charities such as the RSCPA or Animal Care.

 

Next week: Leaving Your Room Early Part 2