Can my landlord refuse a pet?

Under the Renters' Rights Act a tenant can request permission to keep a pet, and a landlord must not unreasonably refuse it. They have to respond within the period the legislation allows.

A reasonable refusal might be where a superior lease forbids pets, or the property genuinely is not suitable for the animal in question.

Simply not wanting pets is not a reason. A blanket 'no pets' clause in a tenancy agreement does not override the right to ask.

Ask in writing, and keep the reply.