Renting to Tenants With Pets in Wales

What the law in Wales says about pets

The Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 has no pet rule in it. The Welsh Government confirmed it has not legislated to create a statutory right to keep a pet, and that landlords and contract holders can agree additional terms covering pets instead (answer to WQ84668, 09/03/2022). Many articles online describe the rules in England, so check that what you read is about Wales.

Additional terms must be fair under the Consumer Rights Act 2015. On pet clauses, the Welsh Government's guidance for contract holders says: "Any pet clause in your contract should allow you to ask for permission to keep a pet. Your landlord would not be allowed to unreasonably refuse the request" (Welsh Government FAQs for tenants, accessed 16/10/2026). So if you include a pet clause, decide each request on its facts and put your reasons in writing.

Deposits, rent and fees

Wales has no cap on the security deposit. The 2019 Act lets the Welsh Ministers set a limit by regulations, and none has been made (Schedule 1, para 2). The Welsh Government's fees guidance says a landlord may ask for a slightly higher deposit where a contract holder has a pet (Welsh Government guidance on the Fees Act, accessed 16/10/2026). Whatever you take must go into an approved scheme, and you must give the required information within 30 days (s.45). Our deposit protection guide explains the schemes and the penalties.

Anything that isn't a permitted payment is prohibited (Schedule 1, 2019 Act). Rent and the security deposit are permitted. A one-off "pet fee" isn't. You also can't require the contract holder to enter a contract for services with you or anyone else as a condition of the let (s.2), so don't insist on a named cleaning or pest-control company. Ask for the home to be left clean and free of fleas instead, and claim against the deposit for anything beyond fair wear and tear.

Assistance dogs

Where a term of the letting puts a disabled contract holder at a substantial disadvantage, the landlord must take reasonable steps to avoid it once they ask. A similar duty applies to a disabled person who is considering taking the letting (Equality Act 2010, Schedule 4, paras 2 and 3, accessed 16/10/2026). A "no pets" term can be that kind of term for someone who relies on an assistance dog. Don't apply your pet policy to that request. Treat it as a request for a reasonable adjustment and take advice before you refuse.

The pros and cons of letting to pet owners

The risk depends a lot on the home and the animal. A cat in a house with hard floors is a different proposition from two large dogs in a carpeted first-floor flat.

How to say yes without taking on the risk

1. Check what you're allowed to agree to. A flat's lease may ban or restrict pets. Read it, and check your mortgage terms and landlord insurance policy too.
2. Decide case by case, not by blanket rule. Think about the type, size and number of animals against the home: flooring, garden, stairs, neighbours.
3. Ask about the pet. How old is it? Is it house-trained and vaccinated? How long is it left alone? A reference from a previous landlord who allowed it is the best evidence you'll get.
4. Write a clear pet clause. Name the animal or animals allowed. Say that any more need written permission. Cover cleaning and flea treatment at the end of the contract, and the contract holder's responsibility for damage the pet causes.
5. Set the deposit to match the risk and protect it within 30 days.
6. Make a detailed inventory with dated photos of floors, doors, skirting and the garden. That's what wins a deposit claim.
7. Inspect during the contract. Give at least 24 hours' notice. Damage found early costs less to put right than damage found at check-out.
8. Prepare the home. Hard-wearing flooring such as vinyl or laminate copes with pets far better than carpet, and a secure garden fence helps with dogs.

When a pet causes problems

If the contract holder keeps a pet you haven't agreed to, or a pet causes damage or nuisance, what you can do depends on what the contract says. If there's a term about pets, a breach of it is a breach of contract. If there's no pet term, keeping a pet isn't a breach in itself, though you can still claim against the deposit for damage beyond fair wear and tear. Our guide to problems with your tenants in Wales sets out the routes, and our fitness for human habitation guide covers your own duties if a problem such as an infestation affects the home.

Pet requests handled for you

With Morgan Jones full management, we deal with pet requests for you. We check the request against your lease and insurance and ask the right questions about the animal. We then put a clear recommendation to you, and you make the decision. We write the pet clause into the occupation contract, protect the deposit in an approved scheme, and inspect during the contract. We can also prepare a detailed photo inventory at check-in. If you only need help finding someone, our tenant find service includes referencing and the contract. Call us on 01792 651311 or get a quote.