Renters’ Rights Act and Pets. What It Really Means for Renting with Pets in the UK
There’s a lot of noise around the Renters’ Rights Act and pets.
You’ll hear things like “Landlords won’t be able to refuse pets anymore”. Sounds great.
But here’s the reality. Renting with pets is not about to become easy overnight.
And if you go into the market thinking it is, you’re likely to be disappointed.
The Headline Change (What Everyone Is Talking About)
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants will have the right to request a pet.
Landlords cannot “unreasonably refuse” that request. On paper, that sounds like a big win.
But in practice what does that mean? There is a lot of uncertainty with the new laws.
What Does “Unreasonably Refuse” Actually Means
This is where things get grey and not clear cut.
A landlord may still refuse pets if they have a valid reason, for example:
- Leasehold restrictions (head lease bans)
- Building rules (flats, blocks, managing agents)
- Property suitability (size, layout, furnishings)
- Insurance limitations
- Religious reasons
So while the law introduces a right to request…It does not create a guaranteed right to have a pet.
The Biggest Misconception
Many tenants believe this means “I can now insist on having a pet”
That’s not how it works.
The Act shifts the conversation, but it doesn’t remove landlord discretion. Most decisions will still be made before you even get to that stage.
For a tenant already renting in the property who wants a pet. Remind or show the landlord you look after the place. That you pay the rent on time. Be clear what kind of pet you are looking to adopt. The more details the better. This helps the landlord make a clear decision based on facts and shows you are responsible.
What Happens in the Real Market
Agents and landlords are operating in a competitive environment.
If they have two applicants:
- One with no pets
- One with pets
Even with the new rules, many will still lean towards the simpler option.
Not because they “can’t accept pets” but because they don’t have to take on perceived risk. That’s the reality.
So the ‘unreasonably refuse’ applies less to those who are offering on a pet friendly rental. If there are other offers, they may well choose them, without saying it was about the pets. Other excuses such as they could move quicker, better tenant profile or it was a tough decision..blah blah.
Where the Act Will Help
This isn’t all negative. The Renters’ Rights Act will:
- Encourage more open conversations around pets
- Reduce blanket “no pets” policies in some cases
- Give tenants a stronger position when negotiating
But it’s not the solution. More ‘2 steps forward and 1 step back’. Slow progress.
What Still Matters (More Than the Law)
This is the part most people miss.
Success with pets is not driven by legislation. It’s driven by how you present yourself.
That means:
- Being fully prepared before you enquire
- Structuring your application properly
- Presenting your pets clearly and professionally
- Communicating with agents in the right way
Because when you’re the strongest overall applicant…Pets become part of the picture — not the problem.
The Practical Reality
The Renters’ Rights Act changes the framework.
But it doesn’t change:
- Supply and demand
- Agent behaviour
- Landlord risk perception
And those are the factors that really decide outcomes.
Pets Lets Insight
The biggest mistake tenants will make is relying on the law to do the work for them.
It won’t.
The tenants who succeed in renting with pets will be the ones who:
– Understand the market
– Prepare properly
– And position themselves as the easiest choice
Because in the end, it’s not about whether pets are allowed. It’s about whether you are the best option.
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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 and international relocations looking for dog-friendly properties, pet-friendly long-term rentals, and realistic advice on renting with pets.
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
