For many renters in the UK, especially those relocating with pets, scrolling through property websites has almost become a daily habit. Does this sound familiar?
Wake up. Check Rightmove
Lunch break? Open Zoopla
Evening on the sofa? Another look at Open Rent
We work a lot with US and global clients relocating to the UK with pets. With the time difference, especially with the US West Coast which is 8 or 9 hours behind, it’s mid afternoon in the UK by the time you wake up and the UK property market has been ‘in action’ for hours.
Whether you have pets or not, it is easy to become obsessed with property searching. The excitement. The fear of missing out. The hope that this next listing could finally be the one.
But here is the reality nobody really talks about:
Constant scrolling does not always improve your chances of securing a rental. In fact, sometimes it makes things worse.
The Problem With Property Portal Addiction
Property websites are designed to keep people engaged. New listings. Reduced prices. “Recently added.” “Available now.” It creates urgency and emotion.
The problem is that renters often mistake scrolling for progress.
You can spend five hours browsing listings and still achieve absolutely nothing towards actually securing a property.
Meanwhile, somebody else with all their paperwork prepared, references ready and a clear strategy may secure the property within hours of it going live.
Especially in cities like London, good rental properties move incredibly fast. Sometimes within a day. Occasionally within hours.
Estate agents in the UK will leave ‘old’ properties up on the portals to get you email or call. They’ll say its gone and then try and get you into another property. An old sales tactic.
The “Pet Friendly” Illusion
For renters with pets, the problem becomes even bigger. A listing may say “pets considered” or “pet friendly,” but that often means very little in reality.
Many tenants waste huge amounts of time emotionally investing in properties that were never realistically suitable for them in the first place. I mean, what is the point is looking at properties, imagining yourself living there if you have no idea about the pet situation.
Yes landlords cannot ‘unreasonably’ refuse, they can find a reason and the building can still say no to pets. Buildings with no pets clauses still stand. That is not part of the new laws.
I was just talking to a European relocation client. They have 3 small dogs and a cat. They said they would consider a 1 bedroom property. I responded by saying that would be ‘unlikely’ as most landlords would say that 4 pets is too many for such a property. A 2 bedroom place would make more sense.
At Pets Lets and through Say Yes To Pets, we regularly speak to tenants who think they have found loads of pet-friendly properties online, only to later discover the reality is very different.
Listings Are Often Already Gone
Many listings online are:
– Already under offer
– Fully booked for viewings
– Used to generate enquiry leads
– About to be removed
– Delayed in updating
The UK rental market, especially in London, is incredibly fast-moving and heavily relationship-driven behind the scenes.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Property portal addiction can also become mentally exhausting. You constantly compare prices, gardens, pet policies, commute times and “perfect” homes. It is a bit like online dating for rentals.
Swipe. Scroll. Hope. Disappointment. Repeat.
So What Should You Be Doing Instead?
Scrolling property sites is not completely useless. It helps you understand pricing, areas and market trends. But it should only be part of the process.
Better Use of Your Time
- Get Your Paperwork Ready
Have employment references, landlord references, proof of income, savings evidence and a Pet CV ready before you even enquire.
- Understand The Reality Of The Market
With fewer landlords staying in the market and increased caution around tenant selection, landlords and agents are becoming far more selective.
- Stop Chasing Every Listing
Sometimes targeting longer-on-market listings, reduced properties and smaller agents can produce far better results.
- 4. Get Professional Advice Early
A proper strategy early on often saves huge amounts of time, stress and money later.
Final Thoughts
There is nothing wrong with browsing property sites. Everybody does it.
But if you find yourself endlessly refreshing Rightmove at midnight while convincing yourself it counts as “progress,” it may be time for a different approach.
The UK rental market is no longer just about finding a property online. It is about preparation, timing, presentation and strategy. And for renters with pets, that matters even more.
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
