For years, pet owners renting in the UK have faced the same frustrating problem: “Sorry, no pets.”
Now, with the new UK rental laws under the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) , many tenants believe things are suddenly going to become easier and that is a ‘blanket’ yes to pets.
The reality? Yes and no. At Pets Lets, we work with pet owners relocating to and around the UK every day. We also speak with landlords and agents constantly. What we are seeing is a lot of confusion, mixed messages and unrealistic expectations on both sides. That is why we have also set up Say Yes To Pets to provide clear cut and practical information on renting with pets in the UK.
The law may have changed, but the rental market itself has not magically become pet friendly overnight.
Here is what tenants and landlords really need to know and the practical solutions we suggest.
What Does the Renters’ Rights Act Say About Pets?
The biggest headline is that landlords can no longer “unreasonably refuse” a tenant’s request to keep a pet.
Sounds simple. But in reality, the phrase “unreasonably refuse” is incredibly vague. What one landlord sees as reasonable, another may not.
A small elderly dog or house cat in a family house, that would be harder to find a ‘reasonable’ excuse.
Three large dogs in a smaller flat, that could be a very different conversation.
And this is where many tenants may come unstuck. The new law is sadly not a blanket “yes to pets” rule.
Landlords can still raise concerns around:
- Property size
- Breed or number of pets
- Flooring and furnishings
- Neighbour complaints
- Building restrictions
- Leasehold clauses
- Insurance limitations
The law opens the door to discussion. It does not guarantee approval. Landlords will look for reasons to say no to pets including allergies and pet suitability for the property.
The Biggest Misunderstanding: Buildings Can Still Say No
This is one of the biggest issues we are warning clients about. Many flats in the UK are leasehold properties. That means the building itself may have head lease rules restricting pets.
The Renters’ Rights Act does not override leasehold law.
So even if a landlord personally wants to allow pets, the building management company or freeholder may still prohibit them. We are already seeing tenants assume the new laws mean they can now have pets anywhere. Unfortunately, that simply is not true.
Sadly, it is not straight-forward. Many older apartment blocks have no pet policies. Those do not change with the new laws.
Some newer developments have no pet policies. A lot of Build To Rent’s (BTR’s) do allow pets. Their pet policies vary. Extra pet fees are common. However, the new laws have stopped them from being charged.
If a building does try to charge you extra pet charges per pet per month, you do have a right to question that.
When it comes to buildings. Never assume pets are allowed. That includes seeing a dog say in the communal areas or by the concierge. Because some concierges turn a ‘blind eye’ to pets, it does not mean the building officially allows pets.
Some developments allow one cat but no dogs. Others will allow no more than two pets. Others have weight limits (normally 20kg) or breed restrictions. Some still ban pets completely.
Why Renting With Pets Could Actually Become More Competitive
The UK rental market remains extremely competitive, particularly in places like London.
At the same time:
- Some landlords are leaving the market
- Available rental stock remains low
- Demand continues to rise
That means Landlords and agents may simply choose the “easier” application when faced with multiple tenants. Therefore pet owners still need to stand out professionally.
Our Suggested Solutions for Renting With Pets
- Create a Strong Pet CV
A Pet CV helps landlords and agents visualise the pet behind the application rather than simply seeing “dog” or “cat” on paper.
A good Pet CV should include:
- Clear photos
- Age and breed
- Temperament details
- Vaccination status
- Training information
- Previous landlord references
- Grooming and behaviour details
- Get Your Paperwork Ready Before Viewing
We suggest preparing:
- Employment references
- Proof of income
- Previous landlord references. Stating pets have caused no damage or nuisance.
- Savings evidence
- Pet references. Can be a vet or doggy day care or a dog walker
- ID and visa documents if relocating internationally
- Target the Right Properties
Not all “pet-friendly” properties are actually pet friendly.
Listings saying “pets considered” often still come with restrictions such as:
- One small pet only
- No large dogs
- Cats only
- No puppies
- Subject to landlord approval
- Understand the Financial Changes
Many overseas tenants previously secured homes by offering six or twelve months’ rent upfront. Under the new rental rules and affordability expectations, you can only offer up to 1 month up front.
Income is increasingly important over savings. If you are renting off savings, good to show you are not living off them. Have your savings in a separate, ideally untouched bank account.
- Communication Matters
Professional, honest and proactive communication works far better than hiding pets or being defensive.
Landlord/ tenant relationships are about trust. If you want to adopt a pet. Ask in a ‘sensible’ manner. Don’t let emotions get carried away and ‘demand’ to have a pet.
Landlords are good at finding excuses. My advice for landlords, being one myself, is to consider tenants pets applications on a case by case basis.
Final Thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Act is a major shift for the UK rental market. But despite the headlines, renting with pets is still far from straightforward.
The tenants who succeed will usually be the ones who prepare properly, communicate well and understand how the market actually works.
At Pets Lets, we specialise in helping pet owners navigate the realities of the UK rental market — from relocation advice and Pet CVs to finding genuinely pet-friendly homes.
Renting with pets is possible. But in today’s market, you need the right strategy.
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
Want the legal picture? Read what the Renters’ Rights Act means for pet owners.
Understanding the law is one thing — putting it to work in a competitive rental market is another. If you want help finding a pet-friendly landlord who welcomes your dog or cat, speak to the Pets Lets team.
