If you’re struggling to find a pet friendly rental, you’re not alone.
Low stock. High demand. And once you add a dog (or two… or a cat), your options shrink even further.
But here’s a strategy most tenants never consider. Look at properties that aren’t selling.
Because behind every unsold property is a seller (and agent) who is starting to feel the pressure.
We did this recently for a client with a cat in Kew Gardens, London. Further details to follow.
Why Unsold Properties Can Work
If a property has been sitting on the market with no offers, the conversation starts to shift.
Sellers still have costs:
- Mortgages
- Service charges
- Empty property risk
- Ongoing bills
At some point, “waiting for the perfect buyer” becomes less appealing than “Let’s get some income in the meantime”
Be flexible. Say you’re happy for sales viewings to continue, with say 24 hours notice. Say you’ll take unfurnished and no need for refurbishment. No extra costs for the landlord or concerns about damage by a dog or cat.
A Real Client Case Study
We had a Pets Lets client last year relocating with their two from the US last year. We used this exact approach. We missed out on a flat and then asked about any on the sales market. There was one sitting on the market, empty, getting no viewings.
We were the only rental viewing, no competition and it was agreed and off the market within 48 hours.
“We can’t thank Russell enough for his help in securing an apartment for us and our two cats, Harold and Charlie. We had very short notice that we would be relocating to London from California and didn’t know where to begin. Russell gave great advice, offered thoughtful options, and was very communicative throughout the entire process. We love our new flat and enthusiastically recommend Pets Lets!”
So instead of chasing the same listings as everyone else, we looked at properties that weren’t shifting.
This client was starting a new job at Kew Gardens. This flat was 400 meters from work in a lovely area.
So what are the benefits of this strategy?
- No offers or competition in a busy rental market
- Growing pressure on the seller and estate agent. Helps them both
- An agent motivated to keep their client happy
The result
A rental agreement secured on a property that was never advertised to let.
The seller got income. The agent kept their client on side. And the tenant secured a home in the exact area they wanted.
Property can still be sold as viewings allowed. At least with sales it can take time so you will get at least 2 months notice once the property is under offer. Or it may not sell, such is the market.
The Win-Win Scenario
This approach works because it creates a solution for everyone involved:
You (the tenant):
- Access to properties not competing in the rental market
- More flexibility on pets
- Potentially better quality homes
The landlord/seller:
- Rental income while waiting for a sale
- Property being lived in and looked after
The estate agent:
- Keeps their client happy
- Earns a rental commission
- Still has the chance to sell the property
Everyone wins which is exactly why it works.
Downside, is that some estate agents, who are less experienced may not understand. That is why it best to suggest it to a senior negotiator or the manager.
How to Approach It Properly
- 1. Target the Right Properties
Look for:
- Listings that have been on the market for a while. Research on the portals.
- Price reductions
- Empty or staged homes
These are the owners most likely to be open to a conversation.
- Speak to the Agent (Properly)
Pick up the phone or go in the office. Not email or WhatsApp
Explain clearly:
- You are ready to rent
- You are flexible
- You understand viewings may continue
- You are willing to work around a sale process
Position it as a solution, not a favour.
- Be Open to Sales Viewings
This is key.
If you’re offering to rent a property that’s still for sale, you need to accept viewings may continue
That might sound inconvenient but it’s often what unlocks the deal.
Handled properly, it’s usually manageable and short-term.
4. Be Fully Prepared
This strategy only works if you’re ready to move quickly.
That means:
- Referencing ready
- Financials clear
- Move date confirmed or be flexible
- Pet information properly presented
If an agent sees a clean, ready-to-go tenant, it makes the decision much easier.
- Position Your Pets Properly
If you’re asking a seller to switch from selling to renting and accept pets, you need to reduce perceived risk.
That means:
- Clear pet details
- Responsible ownership
- Evidence of care and training
- A Pet CV if possible
Reality Check
This won’t work on every property. Some sellers will say no. Some agents won’t entertain it.
Done correctly, it can unlock opportunities that simply don’t exist on the rental market.
Pets Lets Insight
Finding a pet friendly rental isn’t just about scrolling listings.
It’s about thinking differently, spotting opportunities, and positioning yourself properly when they appear.
Because sometimes the best rental was never meant to be a rental in the first place.
Struggling to find a pet friendly rental or tired of hitting dead ends?
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 and international relocations looking for dog-friendly properties, pet-friendly long-term rentals, and realistic advice on renting with pets.
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
