Skip to main content

Written question asked by Monica Harding (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 13 May 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 (named day). It was answered by Matthew Pennycook (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 May 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.


Private Rented Housing: Pets

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, whether the Government plans to bring forward legislative proposals to prevent leasehold agreements from imposing blanket bans on pet ownership where similar restrictions would not be permitted under the Renters’ Rights Act.

Answer

The government recognises that pets can bring joy and comfort to their owners, as well as supporting their mental and physical wellbeing.

At present, the ability of a leaseholder to keep a pet will depend on the terms of their lease. Where a given lease restricts the keeping of pets, variation of the lease to enable leaseholders to have a pet may only be made by agreement with the freeholder.

The government is considering the rights of leaseholders to keep pets as part of its leasehold and commonhold reform agenda.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
820
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Leasehold Pets Private rented housing
Legislation
Renters' Rights Act 2025
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk