by House4Students 
More tenants than ever want to bring their pets with them — and students are no exception. With pressure mounting on landlords to be more flexible, should you allow pets in your HMO?
The short answer: it depends. While pets can make a tenant feel at home, they also come with risk — especially in shared accommodation. Here’s what to consider in 2025.
1. What the Law Says (and What’s Changing)
Under current rules, landlords can still refuse pets — but the model tenancy agreement published by the government now includes a clause encouraging landlords not to “unreasonably withhold” consent for pets.
The upcoming Renters’ Reform Bill (as of October 2025, not yet passed) is expected to go further, requiring landlords to consider pet requests more seriously. That said, exceptions are likely for HMOs and properties with shared living.
Importantly, landlords cannot refuse guide dogs or assistance animals, as this may breach the Equality Act 2010. Reasonable adjustments must be made to accommodate such tenants.
2. Risks of Allowing Pets in Student Lets
Student houses aren’t always pet-friendly — and landlords need to consider:
- Damage to flooring, furniture or doors
- Noise complaints from neighbours or housemates
- Hygiene issues, especially with multiple tenants sharing kitchens and bathrooms
- Allergies or phobias — one student’s cat is another’s health hazard
Letting a dog or cat into a 6-bed student HMO could create conflict — especially if not agreed as a group.
Some animals may be manageable (e.g. fish, small caged pets), but others could be inappropriate. A pet snake, for instance, might not go down well with the rest of the house. In shared living, compatibility matters.
3. How to Manage the Risk (If You Allow Pets)
If you decide to permit pets — or are forced to under new legislation — take steps to limit your exposure:
- Use a pet clause in the tenancy agreement: species, responsibilities, cleaning expectations
- Request a pet reference from previous landlords if possible
- Increase the deposit (if rules allow) or require separate pet insurance
- Conduct more frequent inspections to monitor condition
- Ask for written agreement from all tenants in a shared property
Also define which pets are allowed — for example:
✅ Hamsters, guinea pigs, fish, caged birds
⚠️ Cats or dogs (case by case, with ground floor/outdoor access)
❌ Reptiles, large dogs, or free-roaming animals in shared spaces
Final Word
In 2025, the pressure to allow pets is growing — but so is the need to protect your property and the experience of all tenants.
Be clear in your tenancy agreement. Consider the group dynamic. And when in doubt, ask yourself: is the risk worth the rent?
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