If you’ve been enquiring about rental properties and hearing nothing back, you’re not alone. It’s one of the biggest frustrations in the UK rental market right now.
Especially difficult if you are relocating to the UK with or without pets and in particular from another country with time differences. At Pets Lets we work a lot with US clients relocating to the UK with pets. They hear nothing, chase up the estate agents only to hear that the property is gone.
You send multiple enquiries through property portals. You’re ready to move. You’re serious. And yet, silence. So what’s actually going on?
Well, the main issue is that the UK is a competitive rental market. There are people who will see a property immediately and make an offer. Unless you are there in person to view or have friends or relatives to go on your behalf, it is difficult to do it remotely. Many landlords prefer someone in person as they don’t want any issues when tenants move in. That can be the case if they have not actually been to the property.
From experience, some agents like the ‘path of least resistance’. It’s based on many estate agents pay structure. If their potential tenants, known as applicants, don’t get the property, they don’t get paid commission. It’ll go to a colleague or another agency.
Now, which is easier; a single young professional with a good salary or people with pets?
The Reality: Agents Are Overwhelmed
Most tenants assume agents are ignoring them. The truth is less personal, but just as frustrating.
For a single rental listing, an agent can receive:
- 50+ enquiries within hours
- 100+ within a day in busy areas like London
That’s not an exaggeration. It’s volume they simply can’t keep up with.
Also, even before they consider portal enquiries. Estate agents have their ‘A-list’ of applicants. People they know well and can move quickly for the right property.
The key is getting on the A-list, so when a relevant pet friendly property comes on the market, you’re one of the first they will call. I know I was an agent many years ago.
Portal Enquiries Are the Lowest Priority
Here’s something most people don’t realise:
Portal enquiries (Rightmove, Zoopla etc.) (add links) are often the weakest form of interest.
Why?
- Many are generic “is this available?” messages
- There’s little detail about the tenant
- No indication of readiness or seriousness
So agents prioritise:
- People who call
- People who provide clear information
- People who are ready to proceed
Agents Are Filtering
Agents aren’t replying in order.
They’re scanning for:
- Move-in date
- Budget clarity
- Employment / referencing strength
- Any potential complications (including pets)
If your enquiry doesn’t answer these upfront it can often be discarded.
Not because it’s bad. It’s incomplete and agents are competing with their colleagues for the commission. So they need the best potential tenants, otherwise known as applicants in estate agent language, through the door first to get paid.
Add Pets Into the Mix
If you’re renting with pets, the bar is even higher.
Agents are thinking:
- Will the landlord accept this?
- Is this going to be complicated?
- Is there a simpler applicant?
So What Actually Works?
What works is quality and positioning. Clear financial information and can move quickly. Don’t dither.
- Stop Sending Generic Messages
“Hi, is this still available?” This gets lost instantly.
Instead include:
- Move date
- Who you are
- Employment
- Budget
- Any pets (clearly explained)
- Say you or a friend/ relative or a relocation agent can view on your behalf asap.
Make it easy for the agent to assess you quickly.
- Pick Up the Phone
Simple yet effective.
Calling:
- Moves you up the queue
- Shows intent
- Gets immediate feedback
In this market, speed matters. It really does.
- Be Ready Before You Enquire
Agents prioritise tenants who can move quickly.
You need:
- Documents ready
- Finances clear
- Timeline confirmed
If you hesitate, someone else won’t.
- Present Pets Properly
Don’t just mention pets. Position them.
Explain:
- Behaviour
- Routine
- Previous rental history
This is where a Pet CV (link) can completely change the conversation.
- Focus on the Right Properties
Not every listing is worth chasing.
Some:
- Already have offers
- Have hidden restrictions
- Were never realistic options
Understanding this saves time and frustration.
The Bottom Line
Estate agents aren’t deliberately ignoring you. They’re overwhelmed, filtering quickly, and prioritising the strongest applicants.
So if you’re not hearing back, it’s usually a positioning problem, not a demand problem.
Pets Lets Expert Tip
The tenants who get responses aren’t the ones who send the most enquiries.
They’re the ones who make it easiest for the agent to say yes.
If you’re really keen on a property. Be proactive. Call the agency. Build the relationship with an agent and WhatsApp is a good way to quickly communicate.
The Pets Lets 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
