At Pets Lets, we’re in the middle of this every day, negotiating with agents, handling tricky landlords, and getting deals over the line that most people would never get close to. Especially if there are a few pets.
Coming from an estate agency background, I understand how it works. I do sympathise with tenants, especially those renting with pets , as the process is complicated, competitive and confusing.
This will continue to be the case with the Renters Rights Act until ‘the dust settles’ as this is a huge upheaval to the UK rental market.
Our experience is from working with overseas and UK based clients across the UK. As a team of pet lovers, we are happy to help.
Here are some real success stories… and what you can learn from them.
- Two Large Dogs. UK Based Client. 10 Days to Find a Home
This client had just lost out on a property, hence a 10 day timeline to turn it round.
They approached us for help. We suggested our E-Service , where we work remotely with clients, prepare their paperwork, set up viewings for them, where in this case the two large dogs would be allowed. Trickier than is sounds.
This search was more about finding a few properties and the client seeing them ASAP.
Through our network of contacts, we secured a place before it came on the market. Timing just worked and the landlord was a dog owner.
We had ‘prepped’ the client to move quickly. Time and ‘large dog’ friendly places were limited.
Top tip: If you don’t have your paperwork, such as employment references, financials, even Pet CV’s in place, forget it in a competitive rental market. Estate agents won’t wait for you. They will lose out to a colleague and not get paid their commission.
- 2. New York to Central London (Dog + Cat + Budget Constraints)
A couple relocating from New York with a large dog and a cat, wanting central London on a limited budget.
Strategy:
– Focus on realistic stock. Had to accept the clients pets as well as match client timelines within a tight budget.
– Address landlord concerns early. Instils confidence in you as the right tenants.
– Position as low-risk tenants. Both financially and as responsible pet owners.
Result:
Kensington property secured. Agreed if the carpet was ‘ruined’ would be replaced. Client had confidence in their pets.
Lesson:
It’s not about more properties, it’s about the right one. Don’t dither in making a decision, otherwise it’ll be gone.
- Dutch Client With Five Cats
Multiple landlords initially agreed, then backed out due to number of cats. Some landlords had heard ‘horror stories’ about cats scratching carpets and curtains as well as smells.
Through persistence and transparency, a deal was secured.
What made it work:
– Full honesty from the start. That included financial paperwork and proof of a responsible cat owner. Hence, the image on this article.
– We got a glowing reference from the Airbnb where they were staying, saying how well behaved the cats were and how clean the property was kept. The landlord even called to double-check!
– Managing expectations early. With 5 cats was a tricky search. Was prepared to move quickly when a good properties came up.
– Filtering out unsuitable options. Can’t take 5 cats, no point and move on.
Lesson:
If you’ve got multiple pets, honesty is your strategy. Show you are a responsible pet owner. We had the client take a picture of the clients lined up eating. It showed how clean the cats and set up were. The squeaky clean, empty bowls impressed the landlord.
- Tight Budget + Specific Location + Sales Property
This client relocated from the US to London with their 2 cats. They had been offered a specialist role at Kew Gardens.
Richmond and Kew are not the cheapest London areas to rent. With a tight budget, the strategy here was to find somewhere close by to keep transport costs down.
We lost out to a great apartment in Kew. We then noticed another place in the block which had been on the sales market for a while, empty.
We approached the estate agent and they convinced the landlord to allow a one off rental viewing. Cats were also not an issue. We were totally upfront about that from the beginning. Best way to be when renting with pets in the UK.
We viewed the property on behalf of the client. Sent over a video of the place with our thoughts. It was agreed within 24 hours.
Solution:
We thought ‘outside the box’. People are so focused on what is on the rental market, that they forget to ask other questions, such as do you have any sellers who might rent instead?
Top tip: When asking about a sales property. Say at the beginning you’d be ok to allow sales viewings with 24 hours notice. Shows flexibility on your part. Everyone is a winner.
- Strategic Property Search
This client came to the UK well in advance of their move in date for UK job interviews. And were successful.
The issue here is that most properties have two months notice periods.
So, we devised the strategy that would work best for this US client, who I might add had 3 cats.
Look at Build To Rent (BTR) Properties/ developments that could work for their budget, allow pets and be flexible on timings as tenants come and go. Caution here: Some BTR’s have a 2 pet cap and some a 20kg pet cap. Always check
Firstly, we checked apartment prices, pet caps and availability for the client’s timings. For some BTR’s we could not see the actual apartment. We could see similar units, get a feel for the quality and amenities of the development and explore the surrounding area.
Solution:
This strategy worked. The client identified the right development. Secured an apartment with a timing that worked, albeit a week earlier. Best to be a bit flexible on timing. And avoided ‘running around’ after individual properties with lots of others viewing.
The Real Pattern Behind Every Success Story
– Preparation beats luck
– Positioning matters more than price
– Not all “pet-friendly” properties are equal. Some will only allow 1 pet or just a cat or dog.
– Agents are gatekeepers. Get them on-side and they will help to persuade the landlord to say yes to you and your pets.
Final Thought
You can’t be successful in finding a dog or cat friendly UK rental if you sit back and wait for agents to respond to your emails!
Building ‘relations’ with local agents, especially if you know where you want to live. Be on their ‘A-list’, and they have them, who they call as soon as there is a new property. Well in advance of it being listed on a property portal.
Be the first ‘through the door’. Be ready with your paperwork. Be able to offer at the ‘click of a button’.
We know. We do that for our clients.
Need Help Getting Rent Ready (With Pets)?
If you are struggling with finding a pet friendly rentals, we do offer Rent Ready (With Pets) where we go through your requirements in detail and advise you what to do or where you are going wrong.
Having been in UK property for 30 years, I understand how it works, especially when it comes to renting in London and across the UK with cats and dogs.
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
