When you’re renting with a pet, it’s easy to assume the landlord makes all the decisions.
Technically, that’s true. The landlord has the final say.
However, before your rental application even reaches a landlord, the estate agent will have ‘shaped’ the conversation. They will have their top recommended candidates. So how do you get on that short list with your pets?
But after more than 30 years working in the UK property industry, I can tell you that the estate agent often has a significant influence over how your application is presented. A good agent doesn’t decide whether your pet is accepted, but they can make it much easier for a landlord to say “yes”.
The First Conversation Counts
Many tenants simply tell an agent, “I’ve got a dog,” or “I’ve got a cat.”
That immediately raises questions.
A proactive estate agent will want to know more:
- What breed is your pet?
- How old are they?
- Have they lived in rented accommodation before?
- Can you provide previous landlord references?
- Do you have a Pet CV?
The more information you can provide early on, the more confidence an agent has when discussing your application with the landlord.
Estate Agents Present Your Story
In many cases, landlords never meet prospective tenants before agreeing to let their property.
Instead, they rely on their agent’s summary of the application.
Compare these two examples:
Application One
“Applicant has a dog.”
Application Two
“Professional tenant with a seven-year-old Labrador. Previous landlord confirms no damage during a three-year tenancy. Pet CV and references provided.”
The pet hasn’t changed.
The way it’s presented has.
Not Every Estate Agent Takes the Same Approach
One of the challenges following the Renters’ Rights Act is that there isn’t a consistent approach across the industry.
Some estate agents actively encourage applicants to provide supporting information such as a Pet CV.
Others simply note that you have a pet and leave it at that. A few don’t accept Pet CVs as part of the application process at all.
This inconsistency can be frustrating for tenants, especially when you’ve taken the time to prepare information that could reassure a landlord.
Help the Agent Help You
Estate agents deal with dozens of enquiries every day.
The easier you make their job, the more likely they are to present your application positively.
That means being organised, responding quickly and supplying everything they might need upfront, including references, proof of income and information about your pet.
The Rental Market Is Still Competitive
Although the law has changed, finding a pet-friendly rental remains challenging.
Good properties often receive multiple applications within hours of being advertised.
When that happens, small details can make a big difference. A complete, well-presented application gives both the estate agent and landlord greater confidence.
How Say Yes To Pets Can Help
At Say Yes To Pets, our aim is to help tenants present the strongest possible application.
Whether that’s through a professional Pet CV, our Pet Yes Pack or advice in our Pet Request Clinic, we help you answer the questions landlords and estate agents are likely to ask before they have to ask them.
Preparation won’t guarantee a “yes”, but it can significantly improve your chances.
Final Thoughts
Landlords make the final decision, but estate agents often shape the journey that gets you there.
Treat them as part of the process, not just the person arranging the viewing.
A professional, well-prepared application helps everyone involved make an informed decision and gives your pet the best possible chance of finding a new home with you.
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
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