If you are looking to rent a property through a letting agent, they may list pets as not allowed, but the landlord may allow them upon request.
Renting with pets in England
In England, it is standard for landlords to be able to prohibit pets. Many standard tenancy agreements contain a “no pets” clause and tenants must obtain permission from their landlord, who can refuse or accept the request at their discretion.
Renting with pets in Wales
In Wales, tenancies are governed by the Welsh Government’s Tenancy Act, which requires landlords and tenants to make clear agreements about their rights and responsibilities. Pets must be included as a condition of the Act, with both landlord and tenant agreeing. Unlike in England and Scotland, there is no maximum limit on rental deposits in Wales, so pet owners could take the opportunity to pay a slightly higher deposit to reassure the landlord that any damage caused by pets is covered.
Renting with pets in Scotland
In Scotland, tenants are allowed to keep pets unless the tenancy agreement prohibits it or the landlord gives them written permission. The Scottish Government proposed rent reform last year that would make it easier for tenants to keep pets and require landlords to give a valid reason if they refuse.
Renting with pets in Northern Ireland
Landlords in Northern Ireland often prohibit pets in their tenancy agreements. Tenants can negotiate with landlords, but there is no legal requirement for landlords to accept pets. The situation may vary, so it is important to look through your tenancy agreement and discuss your wishes with your landlord.
Again, service animals are generally an exception – they are not considered pets under UK law. However, landlords can still refuse if they can give a good enough reason to do so, and many people still struggle to find private rental properties that will accept them and their animal.
Draft law on tenant rights
The Labour government under Keir Starmer presented the Tenants’ Rights Bill in July, which builds on the Conservatives’ Tenants’ Reform Bill since the change of power in Westminster.
Under the bill, tenants would have the right to request pets. Landlords would have to consider this fairly and would not be allowed to refuse on unjustified grounds. However, they could require insurance to cover possible damage caused by pets.
Common reasons why landlords refuse pets
Despite the increasing demand for pet-friendly rentals, many landlords are still hesitant to rent to people with pets. By understanding their concerns, you can effectively address them.
Pets can cause damage to rental properties: scratched floors, chewed furniture and dirty carpets are common problems. Landlords may worry that pets will reduce the value of the property or lead to costly repairs. And the reality is that in a broken housing market, there is usually no shortage of demand for apartments – so landlords can choose to rent to someone who doesn’t have pets without much difficulty.
Some landlords refuse to allow pets because they suspect future tenants may have allergies or health problems. Noise pollution is also often cited as a reason. Pets, especially dogs, can sometimes make noise and lead to complaints from neighbors and other tenants.
Allowing pets can affect a landlord’s insurance premiums or liability. Some insurance policies include restrictions or charge higher premiums for properties with pets.
But remember – there are plenty of good reasons for landlords to allow pets too. According to a report commissioned by animal welfare charity Battersea earlier this year, tenants with pets tend to stay in a rental property longer than those without. Around half of tenants with pets stay in their rental property for more than three years, compared to just 31% of tenants without pets.
What can I do if my landlord doesn’t allow my pets?
If your landlord doesn’t allow pets, don’t despair. You can try to change his mind.
Start negotiating with your landlord. Explain why having a pet is important to you and offer to meet any reasonable conditions the landlord sets, which might include references from previous landlords or agreeing to additional inspections.
It may be helpful to provide what is known as a pet resume, which describes your pet’s behavior, training, and health status. Include references from previous landlords or neighbors who can attest to your pet’s good behavior. This can give your landlord some reassurance that your pet will not cause problems.
If you can afford it, you could offer to pay a higher security deposit. This shows your landlord that you are serious about maintaining the property and are willing to accept financial responsibility for any damage that may occur.
It’s often worth seeking legal advice to understand your rights, particularly if you have a service animal. In some cases, landlords may be required to accommodate pets due to disability protection laws.
Even if pets aren’t specifically prohibited in your lease, it’s a good idea to get written permission from your landlord first. Don’t bring a pet into the apartment without permission, and don’t try to hide it from the landlord. Doing so could result in fines or eviction, and make it difficult to get a reference for renting your next apartment.
How to find a pet-friendly rental apartment
Finding a pet-friendly rental property can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many prospective renters have success using websites and apps specifically for pet-friendly rentals. Sites such as Zoopla, Rightmove and OpenRent often have filters that allow you to search for properties that allow pets, but this can prove difficult as many letting agencies list all homes as pet-free by default. Dedicated platforms such as Pets Lets are also worth a look.
Ask friends, family or local pet groups for recommendations. Word of mouth can sometimes lead you to landlords who are willing to rent to pet owners. These can also be real estate agents – they often have inside knowledge of landlords who are more relaxed about renting with pets.
Dogs Trust has been providing advice and resources to pet owners, landlords and letting agencies for over a decade through its Lets with Pets programme.
The charity recently launched a pet-friendly housing pilot in partnership with Manor Estates, a Scottish housing association. The aim is to increase the pet-friendliness of Manor Estates’ properties and have a positive impact on tenants, whether they have pets or not. It is seen as a model for systemic change that could improve the lives of pet owners in social housing across the country.
“The joys of owning a pet should not just be reserved for homeowners, but should be open to private and social tenants too,” Owen Sharp, chief executive of Dogs Trust, told Big Issue. “For far too long, people living in rented accommodation were denied the benefits and companionship of a pet just because they lived in a particular property.”
“We receive hundreds of calls every week from desperate owners who have to give up their dogs because there are not enough pet-friendly accommodations.”
Tips for renting with pets
Once you have found a pet-friendly rental, it is helpful to present yourself and your pet in the best possible light to convince your landlord.
- Create a resume for your pet: This may include information about your pet’s breed, age, behavior, training, and health status. Include references from previous landlords, neighbors, or even your vet.
- Deposit: Offer a higher deposit to cover any damage your pet may cause
- Rental clauses: Suggest specific clauses in the lease that deal with pets. For example, you could agree on regular cleaning or noise control measures.
- Stay in touch: It is important to communicate openly and honestly with your landlord. Address any concerns directly and provide regular updates on how your pet is being treated.
You might also consider purchasing pet insurance, which covers liability in the event your pet causes damage or injury. This can provide additional peace of mind for both you and your landlord.
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