Aquarium in a rental: what are the rules with your landlord or flatmates?
In a rental, an aquarium generally doesn’t require written landlord approval, unless the lease says otherwise, but three precautions matter: checking the floor load above 100 litres, guarding against water damage, and clarifying things with any flatmates before buying.
Can a landlord ban an aquarium?
A standard residential lease usually doesn’t mention aquariums, unlike pets which are sometimes restricted. But water damage caused by a leak remains the tenant’s responsibility — that’s the clause that actually matters, via home insurance. Re-read your lease and mention a project over 100 litres as a courtesy.
How much weight can a rental floor take?
- Equipped 60-litre tank: about 70 to 80 kg, no risk on a standard floor.
- Equipped 100-150 litre tank: 130 to 200 kg, ideally spread across several joists.
- Beyond 200 litres: get advice from a professional, especially on an upper floor or an older floor.
Our article on aquarium cabinet weight covers the most common load-distribution mistakes.
How do you guard against water damage in a rental?
Home insurance with water damage cover generally handles aquarium leaks, but check the exclusions in your policy. An absorbent mat under the tank and a plan for incidents limit the damage in case of a leak or overflow during maintenance.
And with flatmates, how do you organise things?
Filter and air pump noise, the faint but real smell of a poorly maintained tank, and sharing maintenance tasks are worth discussing clearly before buying. A poorly shared aquarium in a flatshare often ends up neglected: it’s better to designate one person responsible, even if everyone enjoys watching it. Discover all the gear suited to small spaces on our fishkeeping hub.
Frequently asked questions
Does an aquarium need a specific move-in inspection note?
No, the standard inspection report is enough; an aquarium isn’t a fixture of the property and doesn’t need to be listed, except for any dampness on the floor worth noting.
Can an aquarium justify a deduction from the deposit?
Only if damage is found (a damp stain, a damaged floor) directly caused by a leak or poorly managed overflow.
Can you take your aquarium with you when you move?
Yes, without difficulty: see our dedicated guide on moving house and transporting fish without stress or breakage.
This guide is part of Planète Pets’s Fishkeeping universe. Our advice is general in nature: for any health concern, your veterinarian remains the only reference.