Renting With Pets in England: The Tenant’s Guide
Wondering how to rent with pets?
With over half of UK adults owning a pet, and nearly 1 in 5 of us renting our home, rentals that allow animals are in high demand. The government has recently changed the rules to make life easier for tenants in England including changes to owning pets.
Here’s some advice.
Why was it hard to rent with pets?
Before the new rules, on average just 7% of private landlords advertised pet-friendly properties. There are a number of assumed negatives associated with animals. Pets can cause damage to a property or annoy the neighbours. It’s easy to see why avoiding the hassle altogether might be the more attractive option.
Latest government changes to help those renting with pets
The Renters’ Rights Act has changed the rules for private assured tenants. Tenants now have the right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
Requests should be made in writing. The landlord must consider the request and should give a reason if they refuse. Reasons can include things like the property being too small or the freeholder’s lease forbidding pets.
The old Model Tenancy Agreement position from 2021 is now out of date and should not be relied on as the main rule for pet requests in England.
The hope is that this will find the right balance between helping tenants find the right home for them – and ensuring landlords’ properties are protected from badly behaved pets.
How to rent a house with pets
Even with these rules, pet-friendly rentals may be harder to come by. Here’s some advice:
1. Start looking for a property early
Don’t leave house hunting until the last minute, the process can take longer than you may think. Even though landlords must consider the request, they have a 28-day statutory window to consider your request, so make sure you give yourself plenty of time and get the request in ASAP.
The last thing you want is to waste time researching properties, only to find they don’t accept pets for a legitimate reason.
Some property portals offer the option to filter your search to deliver results where you can rent with pets. This will help you narrow down your options.
2. Consider the property itself
Landlords with houses or ground floor properties are more likely to accept pets, as there’s easy access to the outside space. You should also make sure the property is pet-friendly; will your furry friend be happy there?
3. Understand the deposit rules
There are a number of reasons for deposit deductions when you leave your rental property, with damage to the property being one of the main ones. These clauses are in place to cover any eventualities, not just damage a pet may cause. The landlord cannot charge separate pet fees or increase the deposit more than the legal limit.
4. Be flexible
If you find something outside your preferred location, but it allows you to rent with pets, it’s worth considering. Pet friendly properties can mean compromising.
5. Provide information on your pet
Some landlords won’t accept puppies or kittens as they may cause more damage.
It might sound strange, but you may want to put together a pet ‘CV’. This should contain details on:
- The type of pet
- The age/gender of your pet
- General behaviour
- Reference from your vet
- Reference from previous landlord (if applicable)
6. Allow them to meet your pet
References are one thing, however, a potential landlord will gain much more from meeting your pet.
If you pet is well-behaved, this will help put their minds at rest.
7. Agree how the property will be left
Keeping a rental property clean is key to being a good tenant! However, for tenants with pets, this is even more essential.
You should return the property in the condition required by your tenancy agreement or occupation contract, allowing for fair wear and tear. Landlords and letting agents cannot usually require a separate professional cleaning fee, but you may be responsible for damage or cleaning costs if the property is left in a worse condition because of your pet.
While it may sound extreme, pet owners may need to do a thorough clean of the property for any future tenancy. This isn’t unreasonable when you think the next tenant may be allergic to animal hair.
8. Don’t try and hide your pet
If the landlord finds out you’re in breach of your tenancy agreement, you could be faced with legal action, depending on the circumstances.
Also, get written permission from the landlord or the letting agent, confirming you’re allowed to bring your pet with you.
How to prevent pet damage in your home
Of course, even with the government’s new standard tenancy agreement, it’s important to ensure your pets don’t cause damage – or you could risk deposit deductions. Some ways to prevent, or reduce, damage include:
- Provide scratching posts
- Ensure your pets aren’t bored
- Break separation anxiety
- Ensure pets are housetrained
- Have enough litter boxes in the right places
- Protect furniture (e.g. plastic covers)
- Leave them with toys to play with
- Leave the radio on when you go out
- Invest in self-fetch toys for dogs
- Ensure your cat can get in and out as it pleases
What to do now
Once the landlord is satisfied, you will receive permission, usually confirmed in the tenancy agreement or by separate letter. This will often allow only one pet to live in the property.
Renting in a new area? Arm yourself with the facts – as knowledge is power. Find out more with Phil Spencer’s Property Report, with information on everything from crime rates to schools.
Last Updated: June 30th, 2026
