When the Renters’ Rights Act was introduced, many tenants hoped it would make renting easier.
In some respects, it has. Tenants now have greater security and clearer rights. However, one question keeps coming up from clients, landlords and letting agents alike:
Has renting actually become more competitive?
Based on what we are seeing at Pets Lets, the answer is often yes.
More Rights Doesn’t Mean More Properties
One of the biggest misunderstandings about the Renters’ Rights Act is that it would automatically improve access to rental housing.
The legislation changes the relationship between landlords and tenants, but it does not create additional rental properties.
In fact, many landlords have spent the last few years facing increasing regulation, higher mortgage costs, rising taxation and growing compliance requirements. Some have decided to sell their rental properties altogether. So in many areas, demand continues to outweigh supply.
Fewer available properties often means greater competition for those that remain.
The Competition Has Changed
A few years ago, competition often centred around tenants offering higher rents or several months’ rent upfront.
With the Renters’ Rights Act limiting advance rent payments and introducing further protections for tenants, landlords are increasingly focusing on something else:
Risk.
Many landlords are now paying even closer attention to:
- Affordability
- Employment stability
- Credit history
- Referencing results
- Guarantors
- Previous landlord references
- Length of intended tenancy
The question is no longer simply: “Can this tenant afford the rent?”
It is increasingly: “Will this tenant look after the property, pay on time and stay for the long term?”
Good Properties Still Move Quickly
One of the most common frustrations we hear from tenants is:
“I enquired and never heard back.”
Or:
“The property was gone before I could arrange a viewing.”
Despite changes in legislation, desirable rental properties are still attracting significant interest.
Many agents receive dozens of enquiries within the first 24 to 48 hours of a listing going live.
Properties that are realistically priced and located in popular areas can still be agreed within days and, occasionally, within hours. This is particularly true in areas of London and the South East.
What About Pet Owners?
One of the most talked-about aspects of the Renters’ Rights Act is the requirement that landlords cannot unreasonably refuse pets.
This is undoubtedly a positive step for many renters.
However, it has not created a blanket right to own a pet in every rental property.
Landlords can still refuse pets where there is a reasonable justification, and leasehold buildings with existing no-pets clauses remain unaffected by the legislation.
In practice, many pet owners are finding that preparation remains essential.
A well-presented application that includes:
- A Pet CV
- Previous landlord references
- Veterinary records
- Evidence of responsible ownership
Which can still make a significant difference when competing against other applicants.
Preparation Matters More Than Ever
The tenants who secure properties most successfully are usually those who are ready before they start viewing.
That means having in advance:
- Proof of income
- Bank statements
- Identification documents
- References
- Guarantor information (if required)
- Pet documentation
When the right property appears, there is often very little time to organise paperwork.
Being ready to proceed quickly can be the difference between success and disappointment.
Our View
The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the rental market, but it has not removed competition. If anything, competition has evolved.
With fewer rental properties available in some areas and landlords becoming more selective, tenants need to be better prepared than ever before.
The challenge today is not simply finding a property. It is becoming the applicant that a landlord chooses.
At Pets Lets, we help tenants, families and pet owners navigate the reality of today’s rental market, preparing the strongest possible application and avoiding the common mistakes that can cost valuable opportunities.
Because finding the property is only half the battle. Securing it is where the real work begins.
Call to Action
If you’re navigating the UK rental market with a pet—or thinking about it—take a look at:
👉 https://www.sayyestopets.co.uk/
Get the right advice early, and you’ll put yourself in a completely different position when it matters most.
About the Author – Russell Hunt
Pets Lets Expert Insight
This article was written by Russell Hunt, co-founder of Pets Lets, a specialist service helping tenants secure pet-friendly property to rent in London and across the UK.
With more than 30 years of experience in the London property market, Russell works with tenants, landlords and estate agents to make renting with pets possible in practice, not just in theory. His work focuses on helping pet owners present strong applications, prepare properly for competitive markets, and navigate landlord concerns around pets.
Through Pets Lets, Russell supports UK tenants with pets as well as educates landlords with UK properties on the benefits of dog friendly rentals and cat friendly rentals in London and across the UK.
Russell also runs the community “Relocating to the UK with Pets”, helping thousands of members understand the realities of travelling to the UK with pets.
Learn more about pet-friendly renting advice and services at Pets Lets
For further guidance on renting with pets, visit Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets
