Finding a rental in today’s market is hard enough. So when you finally get an offer accepted, the temptation is to just sign and move on. That’s exactly where people get caught out. Because not all landlords or tenancy agreements are created equal. And if you’ve got a pet? The margin for error is even smaller.
1. Vague or Missing Pet Clauses
If you’ve discussed your pet and it’s been “agreed”, but there’s nothing clear in writing that’s a problem. You need a specific, written pet clause confirming the type of pet, details, and permission for the duration of the tenancy.
2. The Landlord Keeps Changing Their Mind
If agreed terms keep shifting, it’s a warning sign. Indecision early on often means issues later.
3. Pressure to Sign Quickly
Rushing you to sign without proper review is a red flag. This is a legal agreement treat it seriously. If you need advice, get it. Once signed it is legally binding. If you’ve got a friend who is a lawyer or in lettings, get them to have a quick look.
4. No Clear Responsibility for Repairs
If responsibilities aren’t clearly outlined, expect problems later. I have come across many landlords who can’t ‘be bothered’ to do repairs. If the landlord has that attitude before you sign, don’t expect it to improve. In fact, it will only get worse as you’re then tied into the agreement. I have advised clients to pull out.
Unfortunately, if you do pull out, you may lose the 1 week holding deposit. I have sometimes go it back for clients. However, a small price to pay compared to the long-term pain in terrible tenancy.
5. Strange or Unofficial Payment Requests
Anything outside standard processes should raise concern. If it feels off, it probably is. This is especially true if you are dealing with the landlord direct. Agents are highly regulated. They act as a buffer to this.
6. The Property Listing Doesn’t Match Reality
If what you see isn’t what was advertised, don’t rely on promises unless confirmed in writing.
I have walked into properties; the imagery was unfurnished and clean. In reality, it was filled with junk and a messy tenant. Hardly recognizable and in one instant would have need a ‘remarkable’ cleaning job.
7. No Proper Referencing or Checks
Skipping proper checks often signals lack of professionalism. What will the rest of the tenancy be like.
Saying that, some landlords are just more ‘relaxed’. I came across one recently and we worked together to draft the tenancy agreement for the client. You still need to be careful though.
8. No Deposit Protection Clarity
You must know where your deposit is held. It’s a legal requirement.
9. “Pet Friendly”… Until It Isn’t
Even if a landlord agrees, building rules may override this. Always check properly. Many building have no pets clauses in the building head lease and that does NOT change with the Renters Rights Act.
The Bottom Line
In this market, it’s easy to feel like you should just take what you can get. But signing the wrong tenancy agreement can cost you far more than missing out on one property.
Pets Lets Expert Tip
Never assume anything especially when it comes to property. The UK rental market is complicated enough with or without pets.
Never Assume. Make sure all is in writing. If it’s not clearly written and agreed, it doesn’t exist.
CTA
Don’t be ‘pushed’ by a landlord or an agent into a decision. Yes, property goes quickly, but we are talking about a huge financial investment which could all go wrong.
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
