If you’re renting with a pet, this is one of the most important things to get right and one of the most overlooked.
Some agents can say it’s fine, the landlord has said yes to your dog. Basically, they probably can’t be ‘bothered’ to change the tenancy agreement and get it agreed again with the landlord.
Do not sign without a pets clause. What happens if the landlord, say 6 months later changes their mind because a neighbour complained about some barking. You have nothing in writing, especially in a legal document to prove otherwise! You are not protected.
Never assume, get everything signed off in writing. Same applies for works to be done to a property, furnishings, deep clean before moving in. These are called Special Conditions in a tenancy agreement.
Really, a landlord or agent saying “pets are fine” is not enough.
At best, it creates uncertainty. At worst, it can lead to disputes later on.
A pets clause is simply a written agreement within your tenancy that confirms your landlord has given permission for your pet to live in the property. It should clearly state what is allowed and just as importantly, what isn’t.
Here’s a simple example:
“It is further agreed between the Landlord and Tenant that the Landlord grants permission for the Tenant to keep a pet {insert animal type and breed} named {insert animal name} (“The Pet”) in The Property for the duration of the Tenancy. The Tenant agrees not to keep or permit to be kept on the Property any further pets or animals of any description without the previous consent in writing of the Landlord.”
This does a few key things.
It confirms the landlord has agreed to your specific pet. It limits misunderstandings about additional animals, and it protects both sides by putting everything in writing.
Without this, you’re relying on goodwill and that can change.
This is especially important with the Renters’ Rights Act (Add Link) coming in. While tenants will have more rights to request pets, the tenancy agreement still matters. That’s where the detail sits.
From experience, one of the biggest mistakes tenants make is assuming “pet friendly” means fully agreed and documented. It doesn’t.
Always check:
– Your pet is specifically named and described
– Permission is clearly granted in writing
– Any conditions are understood upfront
If it’s vague, push for clarity before you sign.
Final Thought
A pets clause isn’t a technical extra. It’s your proof.
And when it comes to renting with pets, that’s something you don’t want to leave open to interpretation.
CTA
If you’re unsure how to structure a pet clause or want to make sure your tenancy properly protects you Pets Lets (add link) can guide you through it before you sign.
The 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
