If you’ve been following the changes to renting in England, you could be forgiven for thinking the process has become easier for tenants.

From what I’m seeing on the ground, that simply isn’t the case.

In fact, the biggest challenge for many tenants today isn’t finding a property. It’s convincing a landlord to choose them over everyone else.

Recently, I listed a rental property in London. Within 48 hours it had attracted more than 30 enquiries.

That’s becoming increasingly common.

Whether you’re relocating from overseas or already living in the UK, this is the reality of today’s rental market. Landlords often have multiple applicants to choose from, which means they’ll naturally look for the one who gives them the greatest confidence.

What Makes One Applicant Stand Out?

It wasn’t necessarily the people who loved the property. Almost everyone did.

The applicants who stood out were those who answered the questions I hadn’t even asked yet.

They explained:

Their employment and income
How they comfortably met the affordability requirements
Their visa or Right to Rent status (where applicable)
Their moving timeline
Any pets they had, together with reassuring information about them

As a landlord, that immediately reduced uncertainty. And when you’re choosing between several applicants, confidence counts.

Why This Matters Even More If You Have Pets

Finding a landlord willing to consider pets is often only the first hurdle.

Once you’ve found that property, you’re competing with applicants who may not have pets at all.

That means your application needs to demonstrate that you’re not only a responsible pet owner but also a financially secure and reliable tenant.

This is where preparation becomes invaluable.

Affordability Is One of the First Things Landlords Consider

Many tenants avoid discussing affordability until they’re asked. Personally, I think that’s a mistake.

If your income comfortably supports the rent, say so.

If you’re relocating with substantial savings, explain that.

If you’re self-employed, have overseas income or are using a guarantor, address it early rather than waiting for referencing to uncover it.

Landlords aren’t simply looking for someone who loves the property.

They’re looking for someone who is likely to complete referencing successfully and pay the rent on time.

Preparation Wins

A strong application often includes:

A clear explanation of your financial position.
Supporting documents ready before viewing.
A realistic understanding of affordability requirements.
A professional introduction.
A Pet CV if you’re renting with animals.
Honest communication from the beginning.

The more questions you answer upfront, the more confidence you create.

The Reality of Today’s Market

The recent rental reforms haven’t changed one important fact.

In many parts of the UK, particularly London, there are still significantly more applicants than available homes.

That means landlords can afford to be selective.

The good news is that you can improve your chances by presenting yourself professionally from the outset.

Finding the right property is only half the battle. Securing it is where preparation really pays off.

Need Help Strengthening Your Rental Application?

At Pets Lets, we help UK tenants and overseas relocators prepare stronger rental applications before they start making offers.

From affordability guidance and Pet CVs to referencing support and negotiations with landlords and letting agents, our aim is simple: to help you become the applicant a landlord feels confident saying yes to.

Related resources:

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