Renting with pets in the UK

Finding a rental property when you have a pet can sometimes feel like an uphill battle. While millions of households in the UK share their homes with animals, not all landlords are keen to do the same.

The good news is that things are improving. In particular, it should be easier for pet owners in England to find welcoming rental properties – thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act which came into force on 1 May 2026.

Here we look at what right the new law gives you, and how to improve your chances of finding a place to live if you own a cat or dog.

Renting with pets: what’s the current situation?

Pet ownership is common across the UK. In fact, around 51% of adults in the UK own a pet of some kind, according to animal charity PDSA. Despite this, many rental listings still come with a ‘no pets’ policy.

In most cases, whether pets are allowed is entirely up to the landlord. If your tenancy agreement says no pets, it’s important to take this seriously – keeping a pet without permission could put your tenancy at risk.

That said, attitudes are shifting, and more landlords are becoming open to responsible pet owners. Plus the Renters’ Rights Act will help pet lovers in England looking for rental accommodation. Wales already has similar legislation in place.

What is the Renters’ Rights Act?

The Renters’ Rights Act came into force in England on 1 May 2026, with the aim of making it easier to find rental accommodation if you own a pet.

Under the new rules:

• Tenants can request permission to keep a pet
• Landlords cannot unreasonably refuse

While what counts as ‘reasonable’ is likely to depend on individual cases, examples could include:

• Allergies affecting the landlord or other tenants (such as being allergic to cats)
• Concerns about the likelihood of the pet causing damage to the property (although they may require you to take out insurance for this, rather than refuse you outright)
• The likelihood of nuisance issues, particularly noise
• The property not being suitable for the type or size of pet

We spoke to a property lawyer

We spoke to property lawyer David Smith about the Renters’ Rights Act preventing landlords from applying blanket bans on pets. He says:  

“There are approximately 17 million UK households with at least one pet (60%). For too long, this majority has faced discrimination for their personal circumstances in the search for a rental property – regardless of how well behaved their pet is.  

“The unsubstantiated refusal of pets from landlords has made changes in personal circumstances even more challenging for those seeking a rental agreement. For example, a relationship break-up might see someone move out of a shared home, into a rental, with a pet that potentially can’t join them.

“Difficult personal situations, coupled with rent prices draining an average of 36% of a tenant’s monthly income – on top of finding a landlord who will accept pets – highlights how desperately difficult the rental landscape can be to navigate. The changes are a positive step in the right direction. 

”Although landlords will be legally obliged to respond to a pet request, they can still refuse on several different grounds. I recommend familiarising yourself with what these reasons could be should you need to legally challenge this in the future. 

”If you don’t have pet insurance at all, I recommend doing so to mitigate the risk of vet bills on top of your monthly rental agreement – as sudden expenses could lead to rent arrears.”

Can landlords refuse pets?

At the moment:

• In England, landlords must consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse from 1 May
• In Wales, landlords must consider requests and can’t unreasonably refuse
• In Scotland* and Northern Ireland, landlords don’t have to give a reason

*Note that, at the time of writing, the incoming Housing (Scotland) Act 2025 will give private tenants the right to write a request to keep a pet, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. However, there’s no date for it coming into force yet.

If a landlord agrees to a pet, they may ask for an additional deposit to cover potential damage. This deposit is protected under the government-backed tenancy deposit scheme (TDS). This means you’re entitled to get it back if there’s no damage at the end of your tenancy.

How to find pet-friendly rental properties

When starting your search, it’s worth focusing on properties that already welcome pets.

You can:

• Use filters on property sites like Rightmove or Zoopla to show pet-friendly listings
• Check out dedicated platforms for pet owners, like the Dogs Trust’s Lets With Pets site

If you find a property by some other means, be sure to ask upfront if pets are allowed. Being clear from the beginning helps avoid wasting time – both the landlord’s and yours.

If you’re already renting and thinking about getting a pet, it’s always worth asking for permission. This is why it often pays to have a good relationship with your landlord.

Thinking of moving? Check out the UK’s Pet Longevity Zones – where cats and dogs live longest.

How to improve your chances of renting with a pet

If you’re struggling to find a pet-friendly property, there are a few ways to strengthen your application.

Create a pet CV

Pet CVs are increasingly popular as a simple yet effective way to show your pet’s personality and good behaviour.

You could include:

• Your pet’s name, age and breed
• Microchip details
• Vaccination, flea and worming records
• Training or behavioural history
• References from previous landlords or neighbours

This can help reassure landlords that your pet is well cared for and unlikely to cause problems. Here’s an example pet CV at Lets With Pets.

Be open and proactive

Always be upfront about your pet and offer to answer any questions. Showing that you’re responsible and considerate can make a big difference.

Moving into a rental property with your pet

Once you’ve secured a pet-friendly home, it’s time to help your pet settle in.

Update their details

Make sure your pet’s microchip and ID tag reflect your new address. This is essential if they ever go missing. It’s also a legal requirement for dogs.

Plan for moving day

Moving can be stressful for animals, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead.

• Ask a friend or family member to look after your pet during the move
• Or keep them in a quiet, secure room with food, water and familiar items
• Don’t forget a litter tray if you have a cat or cats

Create a comfortable space

Help your pet adjust by setting up a space with:

• Their bed or favourite blanket
• Toys
• Familiar scents from your old home

This helps make the new environment feel safer and more reassuring.

See also:

• How to keep your pet safe
• Bringing home a rescue dog: what you need to know
• Good pet habits