Finding a pet-friendly rental is only half the battle. Before you sign your tenancy agreement, it’s worth taking a few extra minutes to check exactly what has been agreed about your pet.
We’ve seen too many tenants assume everything is fine because the landlord said “yes” during viewings, only to discover later that nothing was written into the tenancy agreement.
If it’s important, make sure it’s in writing. Don’t commit to a tenancy without it.
- Make sure your pet is specifically authorised
Don’t rely on verbal conversations or emails alone.
Ideally, your tenancy agreement or an attached pet clause should clearly state that the landlord has given permission for your pet to live at the property.
If appropriate, it should include:
- the type of pet
- the number of pets
- any agreed conditions
This removes uncertainty for both you and your landlord.
- Read the pet clause carefully
Not all pet clauses are the same.
Some simply give permission, while others include reasonable conditions, such as:
- keeping the property clean
- repairing any damage caused by the pet
- preventing excessive noise or nuisance
- complying with building rules where applicable
Read every word before signing. If something isn’t clear, ask. Click here to have a look at Dogs Trust template pets clause
- Check for restrictions
Permission for one pet doesn’t automatically mean permission for another.
If you’re thinking about getting a second dog or adding another cat in the future, you’ll almost certainly need to ask again.
Likewise, permission for a cat doesn’t automatically cover a dog.
- Understand the building rules
Even if your landlord is happy, flats can sometimes be subject to superior lease or building restrictions that limit or prohibit pets.
Ask whether any head lease or management company rules apply before committing to the tenancy. The Renters’ Rights Act doesn’t override these restrictions.
- Look after the property
A tenancy agreement isn’t just about protecting the landlord.
Looking after the property helps protect your tenancy too.
Simple things like:
- regular cleaning
- dealing with accidents quickly
- protecting flooring
- preventing nuisance behaviour
can make inspections much less stressful and help if you ever request another pet in future.
- Keep copies of everything
Save:
- your tenancy agreement
- the pet clause
- emails confirming permission
- any inventory completed when you moved in
Good records can prevent misunderstandings later.
- Landlord may revoke at any time
People tend to panic about this clause in tenancy agreements.
It is standard and is more of a ‘what if’ scenario. Such as neighbours complaining, the pet ‘destroys’ the properties furnishings etc, bad smells or if the tenant ‘smuggled’ in more pets without permission.
If you are responsible pet owner, then this should not be an issue.
Final Thoughts
The Renters’ Rights Act has made renting with pets fairer by requiring landlords to consider pet requests reasonably, but the tenancy agreement still matters. A clear written agreement protects everyone and avoids disputes later.
At Say Yes To Pets, we always recommend reading the pet clauses just as carefully as the rent, deposit and notice provisions. A few minutes before signing could save months of problems later.
Because when it comes to renting with pets, the small print matters.
For more information on landlords and renting with pets have a look at our Say Yes To Pets Tenants Pack
Call to Action
If you’re planning to rent in the UK with a pet, start the right way.
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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
