Can You Have Pets in a Rented Home in Scotland?

Many renters in Scotland would love to share their home with a cat, dog, or other pet. However, whether you’re allowed to keep pets largely depends on the terms of your tenancy agreement. This article explains the rules on pets under Scottish law, your rights as a tenant, and what steps to take if you want a pet in your rented home.

Understanding Pet Clauses in Scottish Tenancy Agreements

In Scotland, there is no automatic right for renters to keep pets. Whether you can have a pet is usually set out in your tenancy agreement—the written contract between you and your landlord. Most current private residential tenancies are covered under the Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016^[1].

• Some agreements include a blanket "no pets" policy.
• Others may allow pets with your landlord’s written consent.
• The standard government model agreement for Scotland includes a section where landlords can specify their policy on pets.

It is important to carefully check your tenancy agreement before bringing a pet into your home. You can view the official Scottish Government guidance on tenancy terms for more details.

Your Rights and Landlord Consent

Landlords in Scotland have the right to ban pets, but they can also choose to allow them. However, they must not discriminate against tenants with assistance dogs, such as guide dogs, as this is protected by the Equality Act 2010.

• If your agreement requires landlord consent for a pet, you should request this in writing.
• Your landlord can set reasonable conditions (for example, requiring you to take responsibility for any pet-related damage).
• If you have an assistance dog, you are generally allowed to keep the animal, regardless of pet restrictions, due to disability rights laws.

Action Steps: How to Ask for Permission for a Pet

If your tenancy agreement is silent or says permission is needed, you can take these steps to request a pet:

• Write to your landlord, specifying the type and details of the pet you want.
• Offer to accept responsibility for any damage or nuisance your pet may cause.
• Be willing to meet reasonable conditions, such as regular cleaning or paying for professional cleaning at the end of your tenancy.

If the landlord agrees, get their consent in writing. If permission is denied, you cannot keep a pet without risking legal action or eviction.

Official Forms and Practical Steps

• Private Residential Tenancy Agreement (PRT): There is no specific form for pet requests, but the tenancy agreement sets pet terms. You can view the official Model Private Residential Tenancy Agreement from the Scottish Government.
• First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber): If you have a dispute (for example, facing eviction for breaking a "no pets" clause), you may have to apply to the Tribunal. Find details on how to apply at the First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) website.

For major disputes or discrimination concerns, you may wish to seek advice or make a formal application to the Housing and Property Chamber.

What Happens if You Have a Pet Against the Rules?

If you keep a pet without the landlord’s permission or in breach of your tenancy agreement:

• Your landlord could ask you to remove the pet from the property.
• You might be served with a notice to leave if you do not comply.
• Landlords may also seek to recover costs for any pet-related damage.

These matters are usually handled by the First-tier Tribunal in Scotland, which deals with residential tenancy cases.

FAQ

1. Can my landlord refuse my request for a pet in Scotland?
   If your tenancy agreement bans pets or requires landlord consent, your landlord can refuse permission unless you have a registered assistance dog protected by disability rights.
2. What should I do if my landlord gives verbal permission for a pet?
   Always get any pet permission in writing to avoid disputes later. A written agreement is more reliable if any problems arise.
3. Are there any official forms to ask for a pet?
   No, there is no set government form for pet requests. Write to your landlord or agent and keep a copy of your correspondence.
4. What tribunal handles tenancy disputes in Scotland?
   The First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber) deals with most residential tenancy issues, including disputes over pets.
5. What if I need a pet for a disability?
   If your pet is a registered assistance animal, landlords must usually allow it unless they have a valid legal reason. This right is protected by the Equality Act 2010.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• There is no automatic right to have a pet in a rented home in Scotland—always check your tenancy agreement.
• Landlords may permit or restrict pets, but must not discriminate against assistance dog users.
• For pet requests, get written consent and keep all communications.
• Disputes can be taken to the First-tier Tribunal if needed.

Take time to understand your agreement, and always approach your landlord openly and in writing about pets.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Scottish Government – Tenancy Agreements Information
• First-tier Tribunal (Housing and Property Chamber)
• Citizens Advice Scotland: Advice for Renters
• MyGov.scot – Tenancy Rights in Scotland

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1. Private Housing (Tenancies) (Scotland) Act 2016 (official legislation)

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