When people contact Pets Lets, they often assume the biggest challenge will be finding a landlord who accepts pets.

That’s certainly difficult.

However, since the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, we’ve found another hurdle is catching many tenants by surprise: referencing.

In today’s market, a landlord may be happy to consider your dog or cat, but if your finances don’t stack up, your application can fall apart very quickly.

A Pet Doesn’t Usually Lose You the Property

Many landlords are becoming more open to pets, particularly when tenants present them properly with a Pet CV and supporting information.

What worries landlords just as much is financial risk.

Can you afford the rent? Will the referencing company approve you? Can you prove your income?

If the answer to any of these questions is unclear, your pet may become the least of your worries.

The New Rental Market Is Less Forgiving

The rental market remains incredibly competitive. Good properties often attract multiple applicants, sometimes within a day or two.

Agents and landlords rarely have time to help applicants overcome financial issues when another tenant is already waiting with straightforward paperwork.

That means applicants with complicated finances can quickly fall behind.

Overseas Applicants Face Even More Challenges

For clients relocating to the UK, referencing is often the most stressful part of the process.

Common issues include:

No UK credit history.
Starting a new job that hasn’t yet begun.
Income earned overseas.
Savings rather than monthly salary.
No UK guarantor.
Delays obtaining visa documentation or Right to Rent evidence.
Different banking systems and financial documents.

None of these automatically mean you cannot rent.

They simply mean the application needs to be presented properly from the beginning.

UK Tenants Aren’t Immune Either

Even if you already live in the UK, referencing can become complicated if you are:

Self-employed.
A company director.
Between jobs.
Recently changed employment.
Receiving overseas income.
Returning from living abroad.
Relying on savings.
Using multiple income sources.

These situations are increasingly common, but they often require additional explanation and supporting documents.

The Days of ‘We’ll Explain It Later’ Are Gone

One of the biggest mistakes we see is tenants submitting an application first and hoping to answer questions afterwards.

In a competitive market, agents don’t always have time to wait.

A stronger approach is to identify any potential issues before you even start viewing properties.

If affordability calculations may be tight, prepare evidence.

If you’re relocating from overseas with or without pets, explain your employment, savings and relocation plans clearly.

If you’re self-employed, have your accounts and tax documents ready.

Preparation gives confidence. Speed Matters

Another consequence of the new rental market is speed.

Once your offer is accepted, paperwork often moves very quickly.

If you’re still searching for bank statements, employer letters or proof of savings, you may lose valuable time while another applicant moves ahead.

Being organised before you make an offer can make all the difference.

It’s Not Just About Passing Referencing

Good preparation also helps agents and landlords feel confident about you.

When they can clearly understand your financial position, employment and relocation plans, they’re often far more comfortable recommending your application to the landlord.

Remember, referencing isn’t simply a box to tick. It’s about reducing uncertainty.

How Pets Lets Helps

Finding a pet-friendly property is only part of what we do. We help clients prepare before they apply.

That includes reviewing affordability, identifying potential referencing issues early, advising what documents you’ll need, explaining how overseas applications are assessed, and helping present your application in the strongest possible way.

Whether you’re relocating from overseas or already living in the UK, a little preparation before your search begins can save weeks of frustration later.

Finding the property is only the first step. Securing it is where the real work begins.

Final Thoughts

Finding a pet-friendly rental isn’t just about finding the right property. It’s about securing it.

The estate agent is often the bridge between you and the landlord, and a well-prepared application can significantly improve your chances of success.

At Pets Lets, we help you navigate the process with confidence, giving you and your pet the best opportunity to find your next home.

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 罗素-亨特, 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