If you’ve been looking at Build-to-Rent (BTR) properties recently, you might have noticed something. Pet fees are starting to disappear and at first glance, that sounds like a win.
But like most things in the UK property market, it’s not quite that simple.
Traditionally, BTR schemes were very clear:
– Pets allowed but with a monthly “pet rent” (often £25–£100+)
Now, because of the Renters Rights Act, more developments are shifting to:
“Pet friendly” with no obvious extra charge as landlords need to be more reasonable around pets, and extra charges are starting to look harder to justify. Especially when private landlords are not allowed themselves to charge extra for pets.
Demand from pet owners is huge. Over 50% of the UK owns a pet so with the cost of living crisis https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cljev4jz3pjt charging extra for pets is a bit much when rents are unaffordable for many.
So Are Tenants Actually Saving Money? Not necessarily. In many cases, the cost hasn’t disappeared. It’s just been built into the overall rent.
From a landlord or operator perspective, it’s simpler:
– No separate negotiation
– No awkward conversations
– Cleaner marketing
From a tenant perspective, It’s less transparent:
Why Build-to-Rent (BTR) schemes are businesses first. They focus on:
– Occupancy
– Consistency
– Tenant experience
So instead of resisting change, they’re leaning into it:
– Clear pet policies
– Fewer surprises
– Easier decision-making
Compared to private landlords, it’s often more straightforward.
What Tenants Should Watch Out For
If you’re renting with a pet, this shift is positive, but don’t assume it’s cheaper.
A few simple checks:
- Compare overall rent
If there’s no pet fee, is the rent slightly higher?
- Check the pet policy properly
Limits on size, number or type still apply. Some developments are capped to two pets.
- Understand the conditions
Cleaning clauses, damage expectations, etc.
- Don’t assume “pet friendly” means flexible
Some schemes are structured, not negotiable. Check number of pets allowed and also any weight restrictions.
Pets Lets Insight
This isn’t landlords suddenly becoming more relaxed. It’s the model evolving with more tenants having pets. Pets are becoming more accepted but still managed carefully.
Final Thought
Pet fees may be disappearing on the surface. But the cost hasn’t gone anywhere. It’s just been packaged differently.
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If you’re unsure how to structure a pet clause or want to make sure your tenancy properly protects you Pets Lets (add link) can guide you through it before you sign.
The Rent Ready ( With Pets) service helps you approach agents the right way, structure your application properly, and uncover opportunities others miss.
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
