Do not want to rent flat to tenants with pets
RKP
(Querist) 16 September 2025
This query is : Resolved
I do want to rent my property/flat to any tenant with pets.
This is as per my wish.
I came across a tenant who threatened me of legal implication for refusing to rent the flat due to his pet.
Can the tenant with pet threaten a flat owner of legal implications for not renting him due to his pet?
Does not the landlord have his rights to decide whom he wants to rent the flat?
T. Kalaiselvan, Advocate
(Expert) 16 September 2025
A landlord can refuse to rent to a tenant with pets if a "no pets" policy is included in the lease agreement. Landlords generally have the right to impose such restrictions to protect their property from damage, reduce noise, and avoid maintenance issues, and this is not considered a violation of law, as long as the policy is clearly stated in the lease. Tenants are bound by the terms of the lease they sign. A tenant cannot claim it as a right. The laws and policies around pets in rental properties are primarily contractual, meaning they are defined by the lease agreement between the landlord and tenant. While there are regulations for housing societies concerning pets, these generally apply to existing residents rather than determining initial rental agreements with landlords.
RKP
(Querist) 16 September 2025
thank you Sir for the clarification
kavksatyanarayana 
(Expert) 16 September 2025
It is your property, and you can refuse to rent it to litigious persons. However, the rent agreement shall be prepared with terms and conditions on a mutual basis.
RKP
(Querist) 16 September 2025
thank you for the input
Advocate Bhartesh goyal
(Expert) 17 September 2025
A tenant can not compel to landlord to let out the premises on his terms and conditions, you are the landlord and has right to restrict and impose conditions on tenant regarding pets .
RKP
(Querist) 17 September 2025
thank you Sir for the guidance
Sudhir Kumar, Advocate
(Expert) 17 September 2025
The problem is to start when you rent the flat to such person. He has n such rights. Let him go and donate some money to lawyers
RKP
(Querist) 17 September 2025
yes sir agree on it
