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Written question asked by Lord Truscott (Non-affiliated) on Friday, 3 July 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 July 2026. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Friday, 17 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Private Rented Housing: Pets

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they are giving, if any, to Right to Manage property companies and their directors on the legality or otherwise of imposing charges for approving pets. [I]

Answer

Where a Right to Manage (RTM) company takes over management of a building it is responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms of the lease. In some cases, leases require approval for pets which the RTM is responsible for granting. RTM companies are entitled to recover permission fees to cover their reasonable costs.

Guidance for RTM companies in exercising their functions including granting approvals is provided by the Leasehold Advisory Service.

Permission fees and administration charges - whether issued by a landlord or an RTM company - should only be used where necessary and should cover only any reasonable costs incurred. Any fees and charges should be justifiable, transparent, and communicated effectively and there should be a clear route to redress if things go wrong.

By law, variable administration or permission charges must be reasonable, and leaseholders can challenge them by applying to the tribunal for a decision if they do not believe they are fair.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL1644
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Pets Private rented housing Service charges
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk