Let’s be honest the rental market right now is a bit dog eat dog. And yes, pun fully intended.
But behind the humour is a reality most tenants don’t fully see. Estate agents don’t get paid for effort. They get paid when a deal completes.
Which means one thing. They prioritise the tenants most likely to get the deal over the line
And in a competitive market, that changes everything.
I was an estate agent myself for a few years. I know how it works. People would walk out the office on their mobiles to call their people to get the ‘deal’ done and so colleagues could not listen in.
Agents Work on Commission. Not Fairness
Agents are juggling dozens of enquiries per property. They don’t have time to “give everyone a chance”.
Instead, they’re thinking:
- Who is ready now?
- Who will pass referencing?
- Who is lowest risk for the landlord?
- Who is easiest to progress?
Because if they don’t move quickly another agent or even a colleague in the same office will secure the deal instead
No deal = no commission.
Where Tenants With Pets Get Stuck
If you’re renting with pets, you’re not just another applicant.
You’re often seen as:
- Higher risk
- More complicated
- Harder to get landlord approval
So when agents are under pressure to secure a deal quickly they naturally lean towards the “easier” option. Not because they don’t like pets, because they don’t want to lose the deal.
The Mistake Most Tenants Make
Most tenants think “We just need to find a pet friendly property”. But that’s only half the story.
In reality you need to position yourself as the best overall applicant as it’s a competitive market.
So How Do You Become the ‘Appealing Tenant’?
- Be Ready Before You Even Enquire
In this market, hesitation is a big no no.
Preparation with paperwork in advance is vital:
- Documents ready
- Finances clear
- Move date confirmed and be flexible
- Be flexible on furnishing. Especially with pets. Some landlords worry about damage to furniture.
Agents move fast. All the time offers come in within hours of a good property coming on the market. See it all the time.
- Remove the “Pet Risk”
Don’t just say: “We have a dog or cat”
Instead talk about
- Behaviour and temperament
- Training
- Routine
- Age of pet(s). If old say so, they sleep a lot.
- Previous rental history and have a landlord reference stating pets have been well behaved and you paid the rent on time.
I find angles for clients when talking to agents and landlords. You need to stand out as a responsible pet owner who can pay the rent. Landlords are more ‘suspicious’ of tenants and affordability with the Renters Rights Act (add link). Make the agent confident presenting you to the landlord.
- Make the Agent’s Job Easy
Agents are under pressure from their colleagues to get the deal done.
If you:
- Respond quickly
- Provide everything upfront
- Are clear and organised
You then become a prospective tenant an agent will want to recommend to the landlord.
- Think Like an Agent
Ask yourself would I put this application forward first?
Ask the agent questions about the property, what the landlord is like. Sometimes it is not just about price or timing. It is about longevity in the property, someone who would look after the place, especially if it used to be the landlords own. About the ‘Tenant Profile’.
- Don’t Rely on “Pet Friendly” Labels
Some of the best opportunities sit outside that filter.
The key is knowing:
- Where flexibility exists
- How to approach it
- When to push and when not to
The Bottom Line
The rental market isn’t always fair. It’s fast, competitive, and driven by commission.
So agents will always lean towards the tenant who is easiest to progress
If you want to secure a home with pets, that needs to be you.
Pets Lets Expert Tip
It’s not about luck. It’s about:
- removing obstacles
- reducing risk
- and making yourself the obvious choice
Pets Lets Insight
Finding a pet friendly rental isn’t just about scrolling listings.
It’s about thinking differently, spotting opportunities, and positioning yourself properly when they appear.
Work with the estate agents to convince them you are the best tenant. What possible damage can my elderly cat or dog do to property? They sleep most of the time!
If you are really struggling to find a pet friendly rental or tired of hitting dead ends, then try our Rent Ready (With Pets) service which 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 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
