If you are renting with dogs and cats in London and the UK, you will quickly notice something: not all pets are viewed in the same way.
Many landlords and letting agents are open to pets in principle, especially since the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 changed the conversation around pets in rented homes. But when they are making a decision on a particular tenant and a particular property, a house cat or a small, well-managed dog can often feel like the easier “yes”.
That does not mean larger dogs, multiple pets or more unusual animals should be automatically rejected. The law is clear that landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot simply refuse because they do not like pets or have a general fear of damage. But in a competitive rental market, the more straightforward and reassuring the pet request looks, the more comfortable a landlord is likely to feel.
It is about perceived risk, not whether a pet is “good” or “bad”
Landlords are usually thinking about a few practical points:
- Will the pet suit the size and layout of the property?
- Is there likely to be noise or nuisance for neighbours?
- Could there be damage to flooring, doors, gardens or furniture?
- Is the building itself pet-friendly?
- Does the tenant appear organised, transparent and responsible?
A house cat is often seen as lower impact because it stays indoors, does not need communal areas or regular walks, and is less likely to create neighbour concerns. A small dog may feel more manageable to a landlord when the property is compact, the dog is trained, and the tenant can show a clear routine for exercise, care and being left alone.
That is not a legal rule. It is simply the reality of how many landlords and agents make a quick risk assessment when choosing between several applicants.
Why house cats can be an easier decision
A house cat can be a very sensible match for many flats, particularly in London where outdoor space is limited.
From a landlord’s perspective, the reassuring points are often:
- no barking or regular noise concerns
- no need to use communal gardens or shared entrances for exercise
- no muddy paws after a walk
- a clear indoor routine
- less concern about a pet being left alone for long periods
Of course, cats can scratch carpets, doors and furniture. A tenant should not pretend otherwise. But a good pet request can explain that the cat is house-trained, has scratching posts, is used to indoor living and has a clear arrangement for litter trays and cleaning.
For one client with 5 cats, I had them take a picture of them eating out of their bowls, to show they were responsible cat owners.
That is far more persuasive than simply writing: “I have a cat, is that okay?”
Why small dogs can feel more manageable
Small dogs are not automatically easier than big dogs. A noisy, anxious small dog in a top-floor flat can create more concern than a calm, older Labrador in a garden flat.
But many landlords find a small dog easier to consider because the physical impact can appear more proportionate to the property. A small, trained dog in a suitable one- or two-bedroom home may feel like a more straightforward match than a large, energetic dog in a compact flat with no outside space.
The strongest applications explain the practical detail:
- the dog’s breed, age and temperament
- whether they are house-trained
- their exercise routine
- how long they will be left alone
- nearby parks or walking routes
- where they sleep and how the property works for them
- previous landlord references, where available
This is where a proper Pet CV and a well-written pet request can make a real difference. It turns a vague concern into a practical, considered proposal.
The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the pets policy — but not the need for a sensible match
Since 1 May 2026, private tenants in England can make a written request to keep a pet. Landlords must consider it and cannot unreasonably refuse. They normally have 28 days to respond in writing, although they can ask for more information about the pet.
Government guidance gives useful examples. A landlord may have a fair reason to refuse where a property is too small for a large pet or several pets, another occupier has an allergy, the pet is illegal, or a superior lease/freeholder does not allow pets. On the other hand, simply disliking pets, relying on past bad experiences or having a general worry about damage would usually not be enough.
There is an important distinction, though: these formal rights apply when someone is already a tenant making a request. When applying for a new property, landlords and agents are still choosing between applicants. That makes presentation, suitability and timing incredibly important.
The best approach: make the landlord’s decision easy
For tenants looking for pet-friendly rentals, the goal is not to argue that every property should accept every pet. It is to show why your pet is a sensible fit for that home.
If you have a house cat, explain why the flat works for indoor living. If you have a small dog, show the walking routine, nearby green space and how the dog will be managed. If you have a larger dog or more than one pet, be even more specific about space, routine, training and previous renting history.
The strongest pet applications are transparent, realistic and property-specific. Landlords do not need a sales pitch worthy of a used-car forecourt. They need confidence that the tenant has thought it through.
Final thought
The move towards more pet-friendly rentals is real, and the Renters’ Rights Act has pushed landlords to look at pet requests more fairly. But a “yes” is still more likely when the pet, tenant and property genuinely look like a good fit.
House cats and small dogs are often easier for landlords to say yes to because the perceived risks can feel lower and the practical case can be clearer. The lesson for every pet owner is the same: do not just ask for permission. Put forward the case.
A well-matched property, a clear pet request and the right supporting information can turn a hesitant “maybe” into a confident “yes.”
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
For further guidance on renting with pets, visit Dogs Trust’s Lets with Pets
