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At Pets Lets we are all about renting with your pets in London. If you don’t own your own property, renting with a dog or cat can be a problematic. Only 15% of London landlords say yes to pets. Unlike many other European countries, such as France, Germany, Belgium, where renting with a dog is seen as a ‘norm’, the UK is the complete opposite. Whether you are flying in from overseas, moving within London or moving into London, allow more time to find a dog friendly rental in London. You will be surprised how many agents and landlords say no pets.

According to a Pets Mag Survey carried out in 2020, commissioned by Channel 5 in conjunction with the adaptation of ‘All Creature Great & Small’, 51% of those surveyed named the dog as their favourite with 38% preferring cats.

The UK is indeed a dog and cat loving nation. The love of dogs originated from Victorian times as they were seen as loyal, gave people status as well as an emotional attachment.

Now over 20m dogs and cats have a loving place in our homes. Circa 1 in 2 UK households have a pet. That is a staggering statistic; yet in London only 15% of Landlords are pet friendly. The Capital is filled with blocks which have antiquated no pets clauses. Renting with dogs in London in many areas, particularly in Zone 1, can be problematic.

In a city where cafes, pubs, and even department stores have opened their doors to our four-legged friends, why are London’s landlords bucking the pet friendly trend?

To answer this question–and to shed light on how to find pet friendly apartments in London–I’ve invited Russell Hunt to share his expertise.

Russell is the Founder of Pets Lets, a 100% pet friendly London property portal with a relocation service and a hub of information about dogs in London. Pets Lets is a community where people with pets matter, and Russell is a staunch advocate for increasing the number of pet friendly landlords in the city.

Pets Lets Pets Transfer & Property Relocation Service. Pets are part of the family. It is like having another child. You cannot expect someone to leave behind a member of the family. Cats and dogs in general, exercise outside and then sleep most of the day. Most owners spend a lot of time training their dogs, making them far more responsible than adults without pets.

Unfortunately, the majority of London and UK landlords, particularly in the cities, do not see it that way. To them dogs make a mess, damage the furniture and annoy the neighbours. It they can have a tenant without a pet, then much easier. An outdated way of thinking and something we at Pets Lets and other pets professionals are trying to change.

Jasmine’s Law: Andrew Rosindell MP seeks to limit ‘no pets’ policies for renters It is brilliant news that Andrew Rosindell MP has taken the time to push a bill through to end pet discrimination with rental properties. In London we need more dog friendly accommodation, particularly landlords who will consider more than 1 dog. Some landlords will only accept cats. Only 15% of London landlords offer pet friendly housing.