Will a Landlord Accept My Dog? How to Improve Your Chances of Renting in the UK

You’ve found a lovely property, the location is perfect, and the rent is within budget. There’s just one question: will the landlord accept your dog?

For many people searching for a rental property in London or elsewhere in the UK, this is one of their biggest concerns.

At Pets Lets, we regularly help people relocating with dogs and cats, including clients moving from overseas. And while renting with a dog can be challenging, there are ways to improve your chances.

The key is being prepared before you start searching.

Can a Landlord Still Refuse My Dog in 2026?

Yes, in certain circumstances. The Renters’ Rights Act introduced important changes in England from 1 May 2026. Landlords must consider requests to keep pets and cannot unreasonably refuse permission.

However, this doesn’t mean every rental property automatically becomes pet-friendly.

A landlord may have a legitimate reason for refusing a dog, particularly where:

• A building’s head lease or freeholder prohibits pets.
• The property is unsuitable for the size or number of animals.
• There are specific restrictions affecting the property.

For tenants already living in a property, the law provides a formal process for requesting permission, with landlords normally required to respond within 28 days.

For people searching for a new rental, however, the practical challenge remains: how do you convince a landlord that you and your dog are the right tenants?

What Do Landlords Consider When Accepting a Dog?

Having worked in the UK property market for over 30 years, including as a landlord myself, I know that landlords look at the whole picture.

Your dog is just one part of that.

Landlords and letting agents may consider:

• Breed and size: Some landlords are more comfortable with smaller dogs, although temperament and behaviour can be far more important.
• Age and training: A well-trained adult dog may be viewed differently from an energetic puppy.
• Property suitability: A large dog in a compact flat may raise questions, particularly without suitable outdoor space nearby.
• Your financial position: Affordability, employment, referencing and financial stability all matter.
• Your overall application: How you present yourself, your circumstances and your dog can make a difference.

One important point: even where a landlord is open to pets, you may still be competing against applicants without animals.

That’s why preparation matters.

Five Ways to Improve Your Chances of Renting With a Dog

1. Prepare a Pet CV

A Pet CV introduces your dog to a landlord before they make a decision.

Include a good photograph, breed, age, temperament, training and any relevant references from previous landlords.

It’s a simple way of showing that your dog is a responsible and well-cared-for member of the household.

You can create a free Pet CV through our sister website, Say Yes to Pets

2. Get Your Rental Application Ready

In a competitive rental market, delays can cost you a property.

Have your identification, proof of income, employment details and other referencing information ready.

If you’re relocating from the USA or elsewhere overseas, understanding UK referencing requirements before arriving is particularly important.

3. Be Realistic About the Property

Not every property will suit every dog.

Think about access, layout, stairs, nearby green spaces and any building restrictions.

A garden can be attractive, but it isn’t always essential. Equally, a landlord may have concerns about a large dog in a particularly small property.

4. Be Upfront About Your Dog

Don’t leave mentioning your dog until the last minute.

Establishing whether pets can be considered early in the process avoids wasted viewings, disappointment and unnecessary expense.

It’s also important to understand the difference between a landlord who is reluctant to accept pets and a building where pets are genuinely prohibited under the head lease.

5. Understand the Rental Market Before You Start

One of the biggest mistakes people make is beginning their property search without understanding what landlords and agents will expect.

Your budget, preferred location, move-in date, referencing position and pet details all influence your chances.

And that’s where getting professional advice early can save considerable time and frustration.

Rent Ready With Pets  – Prepare Before You Search

Worried about whether a landlord will accept your dog?

Our Rent Ready With Pets Service is designed for people who want practical, independent advice before starting their rental search.

For £195, you’ll receive a private 45-minute consultation with an experienced UK property professional.

We’ll discuss:

• Your dog and how best to present them to landlords.
• Your rental budget and preferred locations.
• The realities of finding pet-friendly accommodation.
• UK referencing requirements and potential obstacles.
• How to strengthen your application.
• Common mistakes to avoid before arranging viewings.

Whether you’re already in the UK, relocating from the USA or planning a future move, the aim is simple: help you approach the rental market better informed, better prepared and with a realistic plan.

Will Every Landlord Accept My Dog?

No. And anyone promising otherwise isn’t being realistic.

But being a dog owner doesn’t automatically make you an unsuitable tenant.

We’ve helped clients secure homes with large dogs, multiple pets and complicated relocation circumstances, including situations where the search initially looked difficult.

Sometimes the difference is finding the right property. Sometimes it’s approaching the right agent. And often, it’s presenting a strong application from the outset.

Before you start searching, make sure you’re Rent Ready.

Book Your Rent Ready Consultation – £195 (45 minutes)

Pets Lets – Finding and Securing Pet-Friendly Homes Across the UK.

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