Request for pet snake after signing

[David240]

@

@Priya4

Hi David240, thanks for all this information. I’ll go through them and see if there’s anything I can do. Thanks for pointing out clause 9.3, would be good to know OR’s position as to how one can suggest pet insurance to the tenant without getting on the wrong side of the law?

I assume I can’t ask for higher rent now, at least for a year because of RR and even after that, any rent increase will be challenged?

I have another property that currently is being advertised, how can I avoid this in future? I will advertise the no pets preferene in the advert. If a prospective tenant mentions they might want a pet, would it be legal to reject them because of that? Or is it something one can’t give as a reason for rejection? If they give in writing that they don’t intend to get pets but change their mind in future once they have signed the tenancy agreement, I suppose there’s not much I can do?

No you cant ask for higher rent now but in a year’s time you can increase it - I wouldn’t tell tenant at time that the extra 12 quid a month for pet insurance was for that I would just calculate increase as whatever you would have done anyway then add 12 quid. Just say that your costs have increased

For future you can still say no pets for prospective tenants when advertising. And check with existing LL if they have pets/any damage caused.. But it doesn’t stop them starting the tenancy and asking to have a pet then

Some previous threads re snakes etc

https://community.openrent.co.uk/t/tenant-wants-to-keep-a-pet-snake/21458/10

Pets in Rental Properties: What Every Landlord Should Know

Originally published at: Pets in Rental Properties: What Every Landlord Should Know Pets are a common part of everyday life for many households, including those in rented homes. From 1st May 2026, the Renters’ Rights Act has changed how renting to tenants with pets works in practice. Tenants (not applicants) now have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet and you must consider those…

Also this rather worrying case - points to need for tenant to show they have experience of snakes and will keep it suitably enclosed and they need to tell you species and size- consider consequences if it escaped Local Authority temporary housing for the homeless & a snake I don’t know if it’s possible to ‘snakeproof’ a property but it’s reasonable to check whether the prospective tenant has considered properly how to keep it secure and what they would do if it escaped. Get some expert advice on what a responsible snake pet owner needs to be doing and see if your prospective tenant has the essentials covered.

Best