If you’re already renting and thinking about getting a pet, the good news is you’re in a stronger position than most applicants.
Why? Because your landlord already knows you.
You’ve paid the rent on time. You’ve looked after the property. You’ve caused no issues.
As Founder of Pets Lets, I see this all the time. Securing a pet-friendly rental property in the UK is not easy in an increasingly competitive market. You’re already in, so you’re ahead. That track record is your biggest asset.
But here’s the reality: how you approach asking your landlord for a pet matters. A casual message or emotional request won’t cut it. This needs to be handled properly.
First Rule: Take the Emotion Out of It
Landlords don’t make decisions based on “we’d love a dog.”
They think in terms of:
– Risk
– Damage
– Complaints
– Lease restrictions
Your job is to remove the risk in their mind.
Before You Even Ask. Check the Basics
- Check the Building Rules
If you’re in a flat, the building may have a no-pets policy which overrides the landlord.
- Be Clear on the Pet
Be specific:
– Type
– Breed
– Size
– Age
- Be Honest
Some tenants already have a pet and are trying to regularise the situation. Keep it factual and calm.
How to Position Yourself Properly
- You’re a Proven Tenant
- You Understand Their Concerns
- You’re Offering Solutions
Examples:
– Professional cleaning at the end of tenancy
– Regular inspections welcomed
– Pet references
– Willingness to use dog training or doggy day care
– You work from home (constant supervision)
– Previous experience with pets
Template Letter: Asking Your Landlord for a Pet
Subject: Request for Permission to Keep a Pet at [Address]
Dear [Landlord’s Name],
I/We hope you are well.
I/We wanted to formally request your permission to keep a pet at the property.
As you know, I/we have been renting since [date], paying rent on time and taking good care of the property.
The pet(s) I/we are proposing is/are:
Type:
Breed:
Age:
Size:
I/We understand your concerns and would ensure the property remains well maintained. I/we would be happy to:
– Arrange professional cleaning
– Agree to reasonable conditions
– Provide further information if required
I/We have also checked that the building allows pets.
I/We would be happy to discuss this further in person or on a call.
Kind regards,
[Your Name(s)]
Final Tips
– Don’t rush it
– Keep everything in writing
– Be realistic
– Get written permission and a pets clause. Example clause:
“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.”
The Bottom Line
If you’re already a good tenant, you’re halfway there.
Be clear. Be calm. Be structured.
And you give yourself the best chance of a yes.
Where possible, try to approach the landlord directly rather than through an agent. It often carries more weight.
Need Help Getting a Landlord to Say Yes to Pets?
At Pets Lets, we help tenants present pet requests properly and improve the chances of landlords saying yes.
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
