Moving from the US to the UK with a dog is rarely straightforward. This particular case was challenging on multiple levels, especially under the new UK rental laws and stricter referencing requirements.
The client came to Pets Lets looking for a pet-friendly rental in London, but there were several hurdles from the outset:
- Limited rental budget
- Only small buildings considered, with nothing above the first floor
- Ideally an ‘own front door’ property due to the dog’s nervous nature
- Finances based on savings rather than monthly income
- Under the new rental laws, tenants are unable to pay more than one month’s rent upfront
- The client’s sister was unable to attend viewings on their behalf
As an E-Service client, we worked remotely throughout the search process. With the client based in the US and no one able to physically view properties for them, timings became incredibly tight.
The client flew to London for a short viewing trip on a Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. Not ideal in such a competitive market where good pet-friendly properties move quickly.
We offered on two properties during the trip but lost out on both. There were multiple offers, with other applicants presenting what agents considered to be ‘stronger’ tenant profiles.
Finding the Right Property
With time running out and no opportunity for the client to stay longer in London, Pets Lets stepped in further to help move the search along.
We agreed to carry out additional viewings on the client’s behalf on an hourly basis to help meet the tight relocation deadline.
Eventually, we found a ground-floor property just a stone’s throw from Tooting Common in a lovely part of London that suited both the client and their dog perfectly.
The property had recently returned to the rental market after the landlord was unable to sell it. We recognised there was a very small ‘window of opportunity’ and moved quickly.
Using our relationship with the agency, we were able to help get the property agreed before competition intensified.
The Referencing Nightmare
The next challenge was referencing.
Because the application was savings-based rather than salary-based, the referencing process came under much heavier scrutiny. This is becoming increasingly common in the UK rental market, particularly for international tenants relocating from the US.
At one stage, the referencing company refused to accept a bank document because of what they claimed was an irregularity with the font formatting.
Yes, really.
With the client about to board a flight to the UK with their dog, the situation became incredibly stressful.
In the end, we escalated matters directly through the letting agent and worked closely with the referencing company to push everything through before the move.
It reached the point where we were helping finalise paperwork on the very day the client flew to London with their dog.
That was genuinely nail-biting.
But this is exactly what Pets Lets does. We go the extra mile for our clients because relocating internationally with pets is never just about paperwork or property searches.
It is about making sure pets and their owners arrive safely and have a happy place to call home.
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
