There’s a lot of noise right now about tenants asking for pets. But here’s the better question: Are landlords actually ready to deal with it?
With the Renters Rights Act shifting expectations, “no pets” is no longer the easy default. And that’s where many landlords are getting caught out.
Because This Isn’t Just About Saying Yes To Pets In Rental Properties
Being “pet ready” doesn’t mean:
– Accepting every pet
– Taking unnecessary risks
– Losing control of your property
It means being prepared to handle the request properly. Taking a case for a pet(s) on a case by case basis.
Your rental is a 1-bedroom flat on a top floor. It isn’t going to be suitable for multiple pets or perhaps a large dog. It could, however, rent well for a small ‘handbag’ size dog or a house cat!
Think about it. House cats don’t go outside and pet owners with tiny dogs do carry them a lot I have noticed. So, they would probably be carried up the stairs.
Garden flats make great pet friendly rentals
I come across too many garden flats that won’t allow pets. The outside space is perfect for them. It will also be harder for landlords with outside space to say no, unless the building has a no pets clause.
Again think about it. Theres is some grass or a patio. The tenants will really value that for their pets. They will probably stay a lot longer and look after the property.
If you feel uneasy about it, have regular inspections. Specify in the tenancy that the ‘poo’ must be picked up outside. Maybe ask for a previous landlord reference. How were they as tenants and did they pay the rent on time?
What Most Landlords Aren’t Ready For
Until The Renters Rights Act, landlords could just say no. It’s a competitive market, so what!
Until now, it’s been easy, no pets and move on.
Now existing tenants who request to rent with a pet will be able to ‘challenge’ your decision unless it is a ‘reasonable’ one. Every pet request potentially means:
– Reviewing the tenant. Have they looked after the place and paid on time.
– Assessing the pet(s). Size, breed, number of pets.
– Considering the property suitability.
– Giving a reasoned response.
So What Does a Pet Ready Landlord Actually Do?
- Knows Their Property
– Space and layout
– Outdoor access
– Building setup
- Understands the Building Rules
Leasehold or management company restrictions may apply. Is there a no pets building policy? If so, then that does not change with the Renters Rights Act. It comes under separate legislation.
- Assesses the Pet
Look at:
– Age
– Behaviour
– Size
– Number of pets
- Uses a Proper Pets Clause
Cover:
– What’s allowed
– Responsibility for damage
– Behaviour expectations
Here is a template pets clause for tenants and landlords to use:
“It is further agreed between the Landlord and Tenant that the Landlord grants permission for the Tenant to keep a pet {insert animal type and breed} named {insert animal name} (“The Pet”) in The Property for the duration of the Tenancy. The Tenant agrees not to keep or permit to be kept on the Property any further pets or animals of any description without the previous consent in writing of the Landlord.”
- Handles the Conversation Properly
Tenants may well approach you and ask to have a pet(s) in their property. Some will listen to ‘rationale’ if you have concerns, others will be more ‘demanding’ and not ‘take no’ for an answer. They will expect clear responses and if they are good ‘paying’ tenants who look after the property, you won’t want to lose them. So perhaps if they want a pet and the building allows it, ‘hear them out’:
– Don’t want good tenants to leave because of not being allowed a pet or it being an issue
– Otherwise means void periods, agency fees, perhaps works to be done to the property and still explaining to prospective tenants why they cannot rent with their dogs and cats in the property.
– Try and avoid friction and disputes. Look at renting with pets on case by case basis. Inspect the property regularly for the first 6 months if needed.
I am a fellow landlord and dog owner. I practice what I preach and have let with pets in London. I like to use Open Rent to meet the tenants in person. Perhaps meet the dog or cat. Maybe say they can bring their pet with them to the viewing.
See on the viewing if they seem responsible pet owners. Is their dog well trained. Might be trickier for a cat. Perhaps ask to see a Pet CV or ask to see pictures.
The Opportunity
Pet owners:
– Stay longer
– Value fair landlords as it has been so difficult to find pet friendly landlords.
– Are underserved in the market. Many lose out on properties before a landlord say yes to their pets. With a shortage in rental properties, nothing much will change with the new laws.
Final Thought
Landlords, being “pet ready” isn’t about saying yes to everything. It’s about being prepared. Prepared to assess, respond, and protect your position.
Want to Become a Pet Ready Landlord?
Pet Ready Landlord (by Say Yes To Pets) helps landlords:
– Assess pet requests properly
– Protect their property
– Make confident decisions
This isn’t based on theory. This is based off practical experience, as a fellow landlord, pets and property expert who was also a London estate agent and buying agent, now Founder of Pets Lets .
Markets change. Companies have failed to adapt, look at Blockbuster. As a landlord, pets are here to stay. Half the UK population has one. A big market to ignore. Just asking you to ‘consider’ pets.
Call to Action
If you’re planning to rent in the UK with a pet, start the right way.
The Rent Ready Service (With Pets) gives you the clarity, strategy, and confidence to compete in today’s market, before you lose time, money, or opportunities.
About the Author – Russell Hunt
Pets Lets Expert Insight
This article was written by Russell Hunt, 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
