If you have been following the headlines surrounding the Renters’ Rights Act, you could be forgiven for thinking that finding a rental property with a pet has suddenly become easy.
The reality is very different.
Every week we speak to tenants renting with dogs and cats in London and across the UK. We also help many clients relocating with pets to the UK from the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe and beyond.
The most common question we are asked is simple:
“Has it actually become easier to rent with a pet?”
The honest answer is both yes and no.
The Law Has Changed, But the Market Hasn’t
The new legislation gives tenants greater protection and means landlords cannot simply refuse pets without considering a request.
A landlord must not unreasonably refuse pets.
On paper, that sounds like a major step forward.
However, the rental market remains incredibly competitive, particularly in London and the South East. Many properties receive multiple enquiries within hours of being advertised. In some cases, viewings are fully booked on the first day and offers are accepted within 24 hours.
When landlords have five or ten potential tenants to choose from, some will still view pets as an additional risk, whether justified or not.
As a result, many pet owners are finding that the legal changes have not necessarily translated into more available properties.
Buildings Can Still Say No
One of the biggest misunderstandings surrounding the new laws concerns flats and apartment buildings.
Many tenants believe the new legislation overrides all existing pet restrictions. It does not.
If a property is subject to a leasehold agreement containing a no-pets clause, that restriction can still apply. The Renters’ Rights Act does not automatically override separate leasehold legislation.
This catches out many renters who see a property they love, only to discover that the building itself does not allow pets.
For those renting with dogs and cats in London, where flats make up a large proportion of available housing, this remains a significant obstacle.
Some Landlords Still Look for Reasons to Say No
The law prevents landlords from unreasonably refusing pets, but the definition of “reasonable” is still being tested in the real world.
Property suitability remains a valid consideration. A large working dog in a small studio apartment may raise genuine concerns. Equally, a landlord may point to restrictions within a building, previous issues, or practical management concerns.
Unfortunately, some landlords who simply do not want pets may still look for reasons to justify a refusal.
This creates uncertainty for tenants who are unsure whether a rejection is genuinely reasonable or simply a way of avoiding pet owners altogether.
The Rental Market Has Become More Challenging
At the same time, there is another factor affecting pet owners. Supply.
Many private landlords have left the sector over the past few years. Rising costs, increased regulation and changing legislation have encouraged some landlords to sell rather than continue renting.
Fewer rental properties means more competition. More competition means landlords can be increasingly selective.
For pet owners, this often means that finding the right property is only half the battle.
Why Preparation Matters More Than Ever
In today’s market, success is rarely about simply finding a pet-friendly property.
It is about presenting the strongest possible application.
That means:
- Having financial documents ready.
- Preparing landlord references.
- Providing pet references where available.
- Presenting a professional Pet CV.
- Understanding which properties are genuinely suitable for your pet.
- Moving quickly when opportunities arise.
Many properties are let within hours, not days. Delays can mean missing out completely.
How Pets Lets Helps Navigate the Property Minefield
At Pets Lets, we often describe the current rental market as a property minefield for pet owners.
The challenge is not just finding properties. It is understanding which landlords are genuinely open to pets, which buildings have restrictions, how to present your case effectively and how to navigate the increasingly complex application process.
Whether you are renting with a dog in London, searching for a cat-friendly apartment, or relocating with pets to the UK from overseas, having the right strategy can make all the difference.
The new laws have undoubtedly moved things forward. But finding and securing a pet-friendly rental property still requires planning, preparation and expert guidance.
The good news? It is absolutely possible.
You just need to know where the obstacles are before you step on them.
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
