Renting with a dog in the UK can be competitive. A landlord may receive several applications for the same property and, even with the changes to rental rules in England, having a dog can add another consideration.

The stronger and better prepared your application, the easier it is for a landlord or letting agent to say yes.

At a glance

A short personal profile
A detailed Pet CV
A landlord, vet, trainer or daycare reference
Your financial documents
An explanation of why the property suits you and your dog

1. Write a short personal profile

Introduce yourself as a responsible prospective tenant — not simply as someone asking permission to keep a pet.

Include your occupation, preferred moving date, intended tenancy length and a little about your lifestyle.

“I’m a marketing graduate looking for a long-term home with my Labrador. I work partly from home, enjoy walking and am looking for somewhere we can settle comfortably.”

Keep it personal, positive and concise. The aim is to help the landlord see the complete application rather than simply “tenant with dog.”

2. Prepare a Pet CV

A good Pet CV answers common questions before they become concerns.

Your dog’s age, breed and size
Vaccination and microchip details
Training and behaviour
Whether your dog can be left alone
Their exercise and care routine
A clear, recent photograph

Avoid relying on vague phrases such as “very friendly” or “well behaved.” Specific information is much more reassuring.

For example, explain how long your dog is normally left alone, what training they have completed and how much exercise they receive each day.

You can create a Pet CV through Say Yes to Pets and have it ready before you start applying for properties.

3. Include a credible reference

A reference from a previous landlord is ideal because it can confirm that your dog lived at the property without causing damage, persistent noise or complaints.

If you don’t have one, consider asking a vet, doggy daycare provider, trainer or regular dog walker. They may be able to confirm that your dog is responsibly cared for and comment on behaviour they have personally observed.

A factual, independent reference can carry considerably more weight than simply telling a landlord that your dog is well behaved.

4. Demonstrate financial readiness

This is one of the most important parts of any rental application — with or without a pet.

Referencing has become a major part of securing a rental, particularly if you’re relocating to the UK from overseas, self-employed or relying partly on savings.

Be prepared to provide, through the agent’s secure referencing process:

Payslips or proof of income
Recent bank statements
Employment details
Evidence of savings, where relevant
Guarantor information if required

Never send sensitive financial documents through unsecured messages or to an unverified recipient.

Being organised financially can make the difference when a landlord is choosing between several applicants.

5. Explain why the property suits your dog

Don’t limit your enquiry to: “Does the landlord accept dogs?” Explain why this particular property would work for your dog.

Nearby parks and walking routes
Secure entrances or fencing
Ground-floor or garden access
The property’s size and layout
Your working pattern
Your dog’s exercise and care arrangements

“The ground-floor access and nearby park would suit my dog’s daily routine. I work from home regularly and spend much of my free time walking, so the property would provide a stable and suitable long-term home.”

This shows the landlord that you have thought about your dog’s welfare and the suitability of the property.

When should you mention your dog?

Be honest from the beginning. A sensible sequence is:

Ask whether the landlord will consider your dog.
View the property.
Submit your Pet CV and supporting evidence with your offer.
Obtain written consent as part of the tenancy process.

Don’t leave the conversation about your dog until the last minute. And importantly, don’t pay a holding deposit believing that pet approval is automatic. Make sure the position regarding your dog has been clearly established first.

What if the landlord says no?

Ask why. The concern may relate to the property, the building or head lease, or your individual dog.

You may be able to provide further evidence or ask whether practical measures — such as proof of training or appropriate insurance — would address the landlord’s concerns.

But never conceal your dog or assume that the new rental rules mean every landlord or every property must accept pets.

Already renting and want a dog?

This is slightly different.

For relevant private tenancies in England, the rules introduced in May 2026 strengthened tenants’ rights to request a pet. Landlords generally need to consider requests properly and cannot refuse them unreasonably.

That does not, however, mean an automatic right to keep a pet in every property. Building or head-lease restrictions, property suitability and other legitimate circumstances can still be relevant.

If you’re already renting, make your request in writing and keep a record of your landlord’s response.

Preparation can make the difference

A strong rental application cannot guarantee that a landlord will accept your dog. But it can replace uncertainty with evidence.

You’re showing the landlord that you’re organised, financially prepared, responsible and have thought carefully about whether the property works for both you and your dog.

And in a competitive rental market, that can make a real difference.

Need help securing a rental with your dog?

At Pets Lets, we specialise in helping people find and secure pet-friendly rental properties across London and large parts of the UK — including clients relocating from overseas.

Already found the property but worried about affordability, referencing or getting your application over the line? Our Rental Approval Service can help you identify potential problems and strengthen your position before they cost you the property.

And if you’re preparing to start your search, you can create your Pet CV with Say Yes to Pets so it’s ready to go when you find the right home.

This article provides general information and is not legal advice. Rental rules differ across the UK and may change, so always check the current rules applicable to your tenancy.

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