Social media loves negativity. Property is no exception, especially when it comes to renting with pets in the UK.
As someone who works daily with overseas clients relocating to the UK with their pets, I see first-hand how surprised people are at how hard it is to find a pet-friendly rental, particularly in a country known for being pet-loving. Doesn’t make sense, does it?
At the heart of it, landlords prioritise protecting their investments. Money talks, even when pets are perfectly well-behaved.
I Live & Breathe Pets and Property
This is my world. So much so that I created the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group, which now has over 5,000 members sharing helpful advice, tips, and experiences.
Despite rising demand, renting with pets in the UK remains highly emotive. I once posted in a landlord group about the benefits of pet-friendly tenancies — the abuse I received was, frankly, astonishing.
The Reality: 51% of the UK Owns a Pet
With 51% of UK households owning a pet, landlords are having to soften their stance. Some are now willing to consider smaller dogs or house cats. But for many, the default is still “no pets allowed.”
Landlords often see pets as potential risk: property damage, noise complaints, and long-term wear and tear.
A Balanced View as a Pets & Property Specialist
The truth? Not every property is suitable for every pet. A landlord with a small studio or one-bed flat is unlikely to accept large dogs or multiple pets. I recently had to explain this reality to a client — my approach is always balanced and realistic.
But let’s be clear: landlords aren’t the only obstacle. Estate agents can be blockers too.
Often, agents won’t even ask landlords if pets are allowed for fear of losing the instruction altogether. In many cases, agents simply say: “Don’t bother.”
Why Landlords Still Resist Renting to Tenants With Pets
Education is key. The problem is, forcing landlords through government regulations often backfires. Instead of opening doors to pet owners, landlords find loopholes. Estate agents won’t rock the boat either — landlords are their clients, and they bring repeat business.
Sadly, only the negative stories get shared: horror tales of damage, irresponsible pet owners, and tenants who leave properties in poor condition. These reinforce landlords’ fixed anti-pet mindsets, even though the majority of pet owners are responsible and take excellent care of properties.
One Bad Experience Impacts Multiple Properties
A landlord with a large property portfolio only needs one bad experience to implement a “no pets” rule across all their units. And once that happens, word spreads, making it harder to find pet-friendly rentals in the UK.
Landlords Want Low Maintenance, Maximum Profit
For many landlords, the ideal tenant is someone who works long hours, pays full rent, and causes minimal wear and tear.
Families and pets, by comparison, are seen as potential for higher maintenance costs. Landlords who are more emotionally attached to their properties, like accidental landlords who rent out their former homes, may be even more cautious.
How to Convince Landlords to Allow Pets
It’s all about finding the angle for each property.
Here’s what I do with my clients:
- If you’re a dog trainer, highlight that your dogs are well-behaved.
- If you work from home, point out your pets won’t be left alone for long periods.
- If your pets are elderly or calm, stress how unlikely they are to cause damage.
- Mention any training qualifications your dog has.
The best way to present this is with a Pet CV, complete with cute photos, pet profiles, and relevant info. These Pet CVs really do help. I’ve seen clients win rental offers over people without pets simply because they presented their pets professionally.
Professional Representation Makes a Difference
I’m not just saying this because I’m a UK Pet Friendly Property Broker, but professional representation makes a real difference.
Many agents have told me landlords feel more reassured when tenants are represented by a professional. Recently, one of my clients secured a beautiful Marylebone mews house over a competing offer because I was able to negotiate directly with the landlord before they went on holiday. Deal done in hours.
Property is a small world, and relationships matter. Agents remember me and Pets Lets because we specialise in this niche. In one recent Hampstead deal, I worked with an agent I previously dealt with on a Holland Park property, he remembered me because that client had five cats!
Is the UK Rental Market Becoming More Pet Friendly?
The short answer is: yes, but slowly.
Thanks to the rise of Build to Rent developments, some parts of the rental market are becoming more open to pets. These corporate landlords operate like hotels, with modern apartments, gyms, lounges, and communal areas.
But beware of extra costs. Some developments charge £20–£60 per pet per month, alongside higher rents and additional parking fees. Build quality can also vary, so it’s worth visiting these developments before signing.
My Advice: Plan Ahead if You Have Pets
While the UK rental market is evolving to better accommodate pets, it’s still far from straightforward, especially for tenants with larger dogs or multiple pets.
Give yourself plenty of time. Don’t leave it until the last minute to start your property search, the earlier you start, the better chance you’ll have of finding the right fit.
Conclusion:
The UK may love pets, but renting with them remains a serious challenge. With preparation, the right strategy, and proper representation, you can still secure a great home for both you and your pets. It just takes work, patience, and often some expert help.
Russell Hunt is a leading UK pets & property expert. Founder of Pets Lets and the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group who offers pet owners advice with no obligation calls
