Here’s a look at whether the Renters’ Rights Bill is likely to really make life better for renters with pets in the UK.

Discover how the UK Renters Rights Bill impacts renting with pets. Learn the challenges for dog & cat owners, plus expert advice from Pets Lets.

At Pets Lets, a leading UK pets & property brokerage, we give our own opinion on the Renters Rights Bill changes. We should know, we talk to estate agents and landlords every day. The common denominator, all our clients have pets.

Pets Lets Opinion

Unfortunately, the Government hasn’t thought this through when it comes to tenants with pets. There’s minimal incentive for landlords to say yes.

Under the new rules, landlords cannot “unreasonably” refuse pets. But this is not strongly enforceable. In a competitive rental market, landlords can easily find alternative excuses: “We preferred the other applicant as they could move in sooner,” for example.

Another complication is building restrictions. Many flats in London and other UK cities have no-pets clauses set by the building’s management. Even if a landlord says yes, the building management can still say no.

For years, both Conservative and Labour governments have hit private landlords with tax changes, higher stamp duty, and now new tenancy laws where tenants can give just two months’ notice at any time. Unsurprisingly, landlords are nervous.

Example: I had a client with a French Bulldog. As a mature student, they offered 12 months rent upfront. The landlord rejected it, insisting on traditional referencing. Money in the bank didn’t matter. It shows how anxious landlords are.

Pets Lets Opinion on Government Renting with Pets UK Policy

When will it become law?
Pets Lets: Still speculation, but I’d estimate within 4–6 months. Angela Rayner’s resignation delayed things, and it still needs Royal Assent.
Overseas relocations are harder.
Pets Lets: The ban on paying more than 1 month’s rent upfront is a huge obstacle. It undermines savings and makes affordability purely about income. Reference agencies are very “box-ticking.” They like straightforward UK income. If you’re self-employed or overseas, you’ll struggle. This isn’t just bad for pet owners, it’s bad for anyone with a more complicated financial background.
Deposit caps don’t cover pets.
Pets Lets: Landlords have long argued that the 5-week deposit cap doesn’t cover potential pet damage. The House of Lords suggested an extra 3-week “pet deposit,” but the Government rejected it. Absurd. It would have pleased landlords and reassured them. And tenants would have got the money back if no damage occurred. Win-win.
No mandatory pet insurance.
Pets Lets: Another misstep. Tenants can offer it, but landlords can’t request it. With so many restrictions already, no wonder landlords are selling up.

Landlord Pet Request Procedure

The new rules set out how tenants can request a pet:

No blanket bans, every request must be considered individually.
A written request process: tenant applies, landlord responds within 28 days. If they request more info, a short extension applies.
Landlords can still reasonably refuse: e.g., leasehold restrictions, property unsuitability, or other tenants’ allergies.

Pets Lets: Sounds fair? In practice, landlords will find loopholes. The more you force them, the more reasons they’ll find to say no.

So where does that leave pet owners?

The Build-to-Rent (BTR) sector is leading the way with pet-friendly accommodation. But watch out: many charge an extra £30–£70 per pet, per month.

Other common restrictions include:

Weight limits (often around 20kg).
Limits on the number of pets allowed per property.

Always double-check before signing.

Conclusion

The Renters’ Rights Bill sounds like progress for tenants with pets, but the reality is different. Loopholes, weak enforcement, and added landlord pressures mean little real improvement. For pet owners, especially those relocating to the UK or with complex financial situations, it may even get harder.

At Pets Lets, we’ll keep cutting through the confusion and helping pet owners secure homes where their dogs and cats are truly welcome. Whether you’re renting with pets in London, moving to the UK with a dog, or relocating with cats, our advice is simple: be prepared, know the rules, and have all your paperwork ready. Because when it comes to pets and property, knowledge really is power.

Russell Hunt is a leading UK pets and property expert, and founder of Pets Lets, specialising in helping people rent and buy homes in London and across the UK with their cats and dogs. He also founded the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group, where he offers advice to pet owners. For a no-obligation chat, you can book a call here.

Want the legal picture? Read how the Renters’ Rights Act affects renting with pets.