New Pet Laws in Scotland: What Landlords and Tenants Need to Know in 2026
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 is set to change how landlords and tenants deal with pets in rental properties across Scotland. The new legislation introduces a formal process for tenants requesting permission to keep pets and aims to create a fairer balance between a tenant’s right to enjoy their home and a landlord’s responsibility to protect their property.
The Dogs of Yates Hellier and The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025
If you’ve ever visited our office in the West End of Glasgow, you’ll probably have met at least one of our four-legged colleagues who we affectionately call “The Dogs of Yates Hellier.”
And while we’re a team of pet lovers who would always welcome pets into our office, we also appreciate that our furry friends are not suitable for every environment, and we recognise that there are occasions where it simply isn’t practical or appropriate. The same principle applies to our rental properties.
For years, the conversation around pets in rented homes has often been black and white. Some landlords have operated strict no pet policies, and because of this, many tenants have struggled to find suitable accommodation for animals they consider part of the family.
Responsible pet ownership and responsible property management can coexist. The challenge has always been finding a framework that works fairly for everyone involved. That’s what this new legislation is trying to achieve.
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 aims to create a more balanced approach by giving tenants greater rights to request permission for pets while still allowing landlords to refuse where there are legitimate reasons for doing so.
What Are the New Pet Laws for Rental Properties in Scotland?
The Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 introduces a formal process that allows tenants to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home.
Once the legislation comes into force, landlords will be required to consider those requests and respond within a specified timeframe.
If permission is refused, landlords will need to explain why.
Importantly, this is not a law that forces landlords to accept every pet. Nor does it give tenants an automatic right to keep animals regardless of their circumstances.
Instead, it encourages a more transparent and considered approach.
Can Landlords Refuse Pets in Scotland?
Yes. Despite some headlines suggesting otherwise, landlords will still be able to refuse requests where there is a reasonable basis for doing so.
Every property is different. A detached family home with a private garden presents different considerations to a top-floor tenement flat. Likewise, a mature indoor cat presents a different risk profile to a young, energetic dog. The legislation recognises that these distinctions matter.
What is likely to become more difficult is relying on a blanket “no pets” policy without considering the individual circumstances of the request.
What Do the New Pet Rules Mean for Landlords?
For landlords, the legislation represents a move towards evidence-based decision making.
Landlords should begin preparing now by reviewing:
- Existing tenancy agreements
- Property-specific pet policies
- Title deed restrictions
- Factoring arrangements
- Insurance requirements
The strongest position for landlords will be one where decisions are based on the specific circumstances of a property rather than a blanket policy applied across an entire portfolio.
What Do the New Pet Rules Mean for Tenants?
For tenants, the legislation provides greater transparency and a clearer process when requesting permission to keep a pet.
Rather than receiving a simple refusal, tenants will be entitled to understand the reasons behind a landlord’s decision.
The legislation also encourages more constructive conversations between landlords and tenants about responsible pet ownership and the suitability of individual properties.
However, tenants should recognise that not all homes will be suitable for all animals. Factors such as property size, access to outdoor space and building restrictions will continue to play an important role.
Can Landlords Charge a Pet Deposit in Scotland?
No. The existing rules surrounding tenancy deposits remain unchanged. In Scotland, landlords cannot charge a separate pet deposit in addition to the tenancy deposit.
The maximum tenancy deposit remains capped at the equivalent of two months’ rent.
This means landlords should focus on robust inventories, regular inspections and clear communication regarding expectations rather than seeking additional financial protection through separate pet deposits.
Are Pets Allowed in HMOs and Flats with Factoring Restrictions?
This is likely to be one of the most important considerations for landlords and tenants alike.
Many flats throughout Glasgow are subject to title deed restrictions or factoring arrangements that place limitations on pet ownership.
Similarly, HMO properties may present additional challenges due to shared living arrangements and the interests of other occupants.
Where such restrictions exist, landlords may have reasonable grounds for refusing a pet request. Both landlords and tenants should ensure they understand any building-specific rules before making decisions.
How Should Landlords Respond to Pet Requests?
The most effective approach is likely to be a balanced and considered one.
When assessing a request, landlords should consider:
- The type of pet
- The size and age of the animal
- The property’s suitability
- Previous references where available
- Any building restrictions
- Insurance implications
Maintaining written records and documenting decision-making processes will become increasingly important once the new legislation comes into force.
When Will Scotland’s New Pet Legislation Come Into Force?
At the time of writing, the legislation has been passed but the pet provisions have not yet been fully implemented.
Further guidance and regulations are expected from the Scottish Government before the new rules come into force.
For now, existing tenancy agreements remain in place, but both landlords and tenants should begin familiarising themselves with the changes that are coming.
How We Can Help
Although “The Dogs of Yates Hellier” won’t be writing tenancy legislation any time soon, they’ve certainly helped remind us that when it comes to pets, one size rarely fits all.
As always, the Yates Hellier team will keep our landlords and tenants informed as further details about the new pet legislation emerge.
For those landlords finding it difficult to manage the day-to-day demands of letting property, and having conversations such as these independently, moving to professional property management can help reduce stress, improve efficiency, and ultimately protect rental income over time. Now could be the perfect time to make the switch. Contact our team today on 0141 248 8726, or via the form below.