If you’ve tried renting recently, you’ve probably noticed the pattern. You enquire midweek and there is silence.
Then suddenly, “Viewings this Saturday between 10am–1pm.” Or they are only showing between certain times, normally in the evening. And guess what, you have a work meeting or event at that time and your partner is unavailable too.
And no, it’s not just agents being awkward. Such is the demand in a competitive UK rental market, with or without pets, that agents are bound to get offers from a handful of viewings. I have witnessed it myself. Recently, a small Battersea flat, close to Clapham Junction. Nothing special. Had a string of viewings booked up in 10 minute slots. The next morning they had nearly 10 offers on the table. How do you stand out amongst the crowd; especially when you are renting with a dog or cat.
Why Viewings Get Bunched Together
- Access is a Headache
Most properties are still tenanted. Also remember more people work from home. Many a time you have to ‘tiptoe’ in one room whilst the tenant is on a work call. Some don’t mind it, others just blanket refuse viewings during the day. They don’t want constant interruptions, so agents compress everything into one slot.
A little tip: Last year I had a US client over for 3 days. There was one property which sounded perfect. Great location. Tenant made access an absolute nightmare. People could not view. I ‘pressured’ the agent, got last minute access. Even my client had to do a zoom call whilst viewing and loved it. We offered there and then. No competition, because others could not gain access. Sometimes you can turn it to your advantage.
- Demand is Through the Roof
It’s not unusual to get 20–30 enquiries within 24–48 hours. Agents line everyone up, run back-to-back viewings, and let the offers roll in.
When the market is competitive, agents can afford to be reactive. They don’t have to call out and random enquiries through the property portals like Rightmove are dealt with a bit later, by which time the property has gone.
- It Creates Competition (On Purpose)
Back-to-back viewings create pressure. You see other applicants and are more likely to offer quickly.
Estate agents are great at getting people to panic. Don’t fall for it. Only offer what you can afford and try and find out what is important to the landlord. Sometimes it is not just about price. It can be longevity, tenant profile or the earliest move in date.
What This Means for You (Especially With Pets)
You’re not just viewing a property you’re pitching yourself and your pets. Decisions are often made within hours.
How to Put Yourself Top of the List
- Turn Up Ready
Have ID, proof of income, and references on standby if you love the property. Ready at a moments click to send over with your offer. - Lead With Your Strengths
Explain your situation, timeline, and finances clearly. How you would look after the property. - Address Pets Immediately
Be upfront and provide a Pet CV Tell the agents how your pets sleep a lot, or you work from home or have never caused a disturbance. A ‘sales pitch’ about you as a responsible pet owner who can pay the rent. That is what it basically boils down to. That is what the landlord wants to hear when making a decision. - Follow Up Fast
Send a same-day message confirming your offer and readiness. Be keen. Be proactive. Don’t wait to hear for a response without going ‘over the top’. If you don’t, another party will. - Understand the Game
Agents push tenants who are easiest to get over the line. With The Renters Rights Act, that means a ‘healthy’ salary, can move quickly, not too many ‘demands’ and ‘well-behaved’ pets.
Sadly it is a game. I was an estate agent years ago. Whether it is sales or rentals, we are talking large amounts of money. Some agents just see it as a way to ‘beat’ their colleagues and getting their commission.
Pets Lets Take
Saturday viewings are strategic and get booked up well in advance. I am talking Tuesday or Wednesday that week. Preparation is the difference. People see a place and then offer that day. That is why so many places are agreed or have offers on them on Mondays.
A little tip Book a Saturday viewing slot on a property you like ASAP. Even if that property is agreed before then, before giving up the slot, see if there is anything else worth viewing. Saturdays slots are ‘gold dust’ with many agencies. Explore all options before losing it.
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
