Pet Policy

Last updated: September 2025

1. Purpose

This policy sets out how Purple Frog Asset Management manages requests from tenants to keep pets in rental properties. It ensures compliance with existing law, prepares for the Renters’ Rights Bill (expected late 2025–2026), and protects landlords’ assets while supporting tenants who are responsible pet owners.

2. Legal Framework

Current law:
Pets are not an automatic right in tenancies. Landlords may prohibit or restrict them through tenancy agreements.

Model tenancy agreement (since 2021):
Default position is that consent for pets should not be unreasonably withheld.

Renters’ Rights Bill (pending):

  • Tenants will have the right to request a pet.
  • Landlords must respond within 28 days.
  • Refusals must be supported by a fair and valid reason (e.g. property unsuitability, health and safety, shared tenant objections, restrictions in head lease).
  • Tenants will be able to challenge refusals via the PRS Ombudsman or the courts.

3. Internal Responsibilities 

Property Managers: Acknowledge and log all pet requests on the day of receipt.

Response Times:
– Provide written response within 28 days (to meet the Bill’s requirements).
– If further information is required (pet CV, references), notify tenant within 7 days of request.

Record Keeping: All requests and outcomes must be recorded in the Purple Frog’ Pet Register.

4. Pet Request Process

4.1 Tenant submits Pet Request Application Form with required documents.

4.2 Property Manager reviews and checks:
– Property suitability.
– Any restrictions (lease terms, HMO licensing, superior landlord prohibitions).
– Other tenants’ consent (if shared).
– Decision issued in writing:

4.3 Outcome

– Approved: Tenant signs Pet Addendum to tenancy agreement.
– Conditional Approval: Approval subject to conditions (e.g. only one pet, professional cleaning at end).
– Refused: Refusal must cite specific valid grounds.

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5. General Conditions of Approval

Types of Pets Allowed
– Domestic cats, dogs, or small caged animals.
– Maximum of two per property.
– No breeding.

Tenant Responsibilities 
– Maintain control of pets and prevent nuisance (e.g. noise, fouling, damage).
– Cover all cleaning, repair, or pest control costs arising from pet ownership.
– Arrange professional carpet and upholstery cleaning and flea treatment at tenancy end if required.
– Keep vaccinations and flea/worm treatments up to date.

Shared Accommodation
Where tenants are on one tenancy agreement, we will require written consent required from all co-tenants before approval.

Where the property is let individually by room, it is unlikely that any pet application may be approved; the current co-tenants may consent, but the presence of a pet may deter future potential tenants from renting a room in the property. 

Inspections
Landlords/agents may carry out additional inspections to assess pet impact.

Breach of Conditions
If tenants breach pet conditions, consent may be withdrawn, and the tenant may be required to remove the pet.

6. Tenancy Agreement Clauses

Clause 1 will be added to all tenancy agreements. Clauses 2 – 4 will be added to any tenancy or addendum where a pet has been approved.

1. Consent to Keep a Pet
1.1 The Tenant must not keep or allow to be kept in the Property any pet or animal without the prior written consent of the Landlord or Agent.
1.2 Consent will not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, and any refusal shall be supported by valid grounds, including but not limited to:
(a) restrictions contained in the superior landlord’s lease;
(b) the Property being unsuitable for the type or size of pet;
(c) health and safety concerns;
(d) objections from other tenants in shared accommodation.
1.3 Where consent is granted, such consent applies only to the specific pet approved in writing. No additional or replacement pets are permitted without fresh consent.

2. Tenant Obligations in Respect of Pets
2.1 The Tenant must:
(a) ensure the pet is kept under control and does not cause nuisance, damage, or annoyance to neighbours, other occupiers, or visitors;
(b) maintain the pet in good health, with up-to-date vaccinations, flea and worm treatments, and microchipping where required by law;
(c) prevent fouling, odours, and damage to the Property;
(d) ensure the pet is not left unattended in the Property for an unreasonable period.

2.2 The Tenant is responsible for all damage or additional cleaning costs caused by the pet.
2.3 The Tenant must arrange and pay for professional carpet and upholstery cleaning at the end of the Tenancy if reasonably required due to the pet’s occupation.

3. Landlord’s Rights
3.1 The Landlord or Agent may carry out additional inspections of the Property on giving not less than 24 hours’ notice for the purpose of assessing compliance with pet conditions.
3.2 If the Tenant breaches any obligation in respect of the pet, the Landlord may withdraw consent by written notice. The Tenant must remove the pet from the Property within 14 days of such notice.

4. Deposit and Liability
4.1 The Tenant acknowledges that the tenancy deposit may be applied to remedy any damage, cleaning, or pest control costs arising from the pet.
4.2 Any costs exceeding the deposit remain the responsibility of the Tenant.

5. Termination of Consent
5.1 If consent is withdrawn under clause 3.2 and the Tenant fails to remove the pet within the specified period, the Tenant shall be in breach of this Agreement.
5.2 Persistent breach may give the Landlord grounds to seek possession in accordance with the Housing Act 1988 (as amended).

7. Pet Request Application Form

The following information will be requested on the Pet Application Form

Section A: Tenant Details

  • Full name(s):

  • Property address:

  • Tenancy start/end date:

Section B: Pet Information

  • Species:

  • Breed:

  • Age:

  • Weight:

  • Microchip number:

  • Neutered/spayed: Yes / No

  • Vaccination record attached: Yes / No

Section C: Behaviour and Care

  • Has the pet been house-trained? Yes / No

  • Average hours pet left alone per day:

  • Insurance held (if any):

Section D: Supporting Documents
☐ Pet CV (detailing behaviour, training, medical history)
☐ Vet vaccination certificate
☐ Previous landlord reference (if applicable)
☐ Written consent of all other tenants (if shared accommodation)

Section E: Tenant Declaration
“I request permission to keep the above pet at the property. I accept full liability for any damage, nuisance, or costs arising from this pet. I agree to comply with the Pet Policy and understand that consent may be withdrawn if I breach these conditions.”