Who it's for
- Landlords and agents in England who have discovered an unauthorised pet at an inspection or through a neighbour
- Landlords who want to follow the new pet request process rather than jump to possession
- Not a notice to quit or a Section 8 notice
What's included
- About this document — what the notice is for and why it is a first-stage step
- Landlord, property and pet details tables, including how and when the pet was discovered
- Formal notice to the tenant with two options: submit a formal pet request, or remove the pet and confirm in writing, within 14 days
- Consequences of not acting and responsibility for damage
- How to respond table with deadline, email and subject line, landlord signature and a record-keeping note
Save with a bundle: get this plus 20 more documents in the Landlord Complete Bundle for £49.99.
See what's in the bundle →Key points covered
- Written pet requests fall under section 16A of the Housing Act 1988, inserted by the Renters' Rights Act 2025
- If the tenant makes a request, you must respond in writing within 28 days
- A request does not guarantee permission — you consider it on its merits, including any lease restrictions
- The tenant stays responsible for damage beyond fair wear and tear, whichever option they choose
- Keep photos, inspection reports and all replies in case you later need to rely on a breach ground
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Read the guide
Related documents
Pet Request Response Pack£14.99 · See what's included →Assured Periodic Tenancy Agreement£19.99 · See what's included →Landlord Compliance Checklist 2026£14.99 · See what's included →
Questions
Can I just tell the tenant to get rid of the pet?
The notice offers removal as one option, but it also lets the tenant make a formal request, which you must then answer within 28 days. That keeps you on the right side of the new process.
How long does the tenant have?
The notice gives 14 days to either submit a formal pet request or remove the pet and confirm in writing.
What if the tenant then asks for permission?
Answer within 28 days. The Pet Request Response Pack has a permission letter and a refusal letter.
Is it in the Landlord Complete Bundle?
Yes. The Unauthorised Pet Notice is one of the 21 documents in the bundle.
Unauthorised Pet Notice
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