Renting with a pet in Leeds

The law, which is the same everywhere in England

The right applies across England

Since 1 May 2026, section 11 of the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 gives every tenant in England — Leeds included — the right to formally request consent to keep a pet. Your landlord must give or refuse that consent in writing within 28 days, and must not refuse unreasonably.

They cannot require you to take out pet insurance, and they cannot take a larger deposit. The full explanation of how the right works applies anywhere in England.

Answer the turnover question before it is asked

If you are on a short or fixed-term tenancy, say what happens at the end of it. An offer to have the property professionally cleaned when you leave costs you very little and lands directly on the concern.

And if you are renewing rather than arriving, lead with that: a tenant the landlord already knows, asking about an animal they can meet, is a much easier yes.

Practical notes for Leeds

• If you share, get your housemates’ agreement in writing first and say so in the request.
• Mention how long you intend to stay — a longer tenancy is worth something to a landlord.
• Leeds has a large HMO stock; in a shared house other tenants’ allergies are a real factor.
• Shelter and the universities’ own housing services both advise on tenancy issues.

What there is to buy

The letter, written on the Act, with a one-page summary of your pet an agent can file. Or copy our free template and write it yourself — we would rather you sent a good letter than no letter.