On Wednesday the Times published an article regarding allergies.
Those with allergies are regarded as disabled and thus are protected under the disability act.
If you have allergies you have a legal reason to refuse pets
I guess it’s whether they make you disabled or not. If you have a pet allergy but your meds help keep symptoms in check, you’ll never get disability benefits.
As for newspapers publishing things, I wouldn’t believe them straightway. Do they give references where we can confirm this?
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You would be expected to use agents and/or inventory clerks so that you didn’t have to visit whilst the pet was there. It wouldn’t be a reason to refuse a pet.
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The RRA guidance on pets suggests this may be a reason if another tenant has an allergy but it doesnt allow a blanket ban on all pets. You anyway have to consider cases individually. I might as LL have a cat allergy but that doesn’t allow me to refuse a goldfish. But I can always use contractors for inspections repairs etc so it wouldnt.be a fair reason to refuse. (Might be different if a live in LL but then it’s a lodger agreement and RRA doesn’t apply anyway)
Here is the actual guidance
"When you can refuse a request for a pet
It may be reasonable to refuse a request in some circumstances, such as:
another tenant has an allergy
the property is too small for a large pet or several pets
the pet is illegal to own
if you’re a leaseholder and the freeholder does not allow pets
It would usually be unreasonable to refuse if you:
do not like pets
have had issues with tenants who had pets in the past
have had previous tenants with pets who damaged the property
have general concerns about potential damage in the future
think a pet might affect future rentals
know the tenant needs an assistance animal, such as a guide dog"
Source: GOV.UK Assured periodic tenancies: a guide for landlords: If a tenant wants a pet to live with them - GOV.UK
The Equality Act protection is for tenants renting and nothing to do with the LL’s status anyway, l think you are maybe wrongly conflating two different things
RRA rental discrimination guidance
Rental discrimination under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 - GOV.UK Rental discrimination under the Renters' Rights Act 2025 - GOV.UK
Shelter advice on discrimination
What to do about discrimination from landlords or agents - Shelter England What to do about discrimination from landlords or agents - Shelter England
Best