As a UK-based property and pet relocation expert, I’ll be straight with you: renting in the UK with pets is still tough.
Believe it or not, landlords have started warming up to house cats, and they’ll often consider small dogs (think “handbag size”). But anything larger? That’s when landlords start to panic about noise, damage, and their carpets.
This article focuses on the property side of the process – from how to approach your search to getting your paperwork right. If you’re looking for pet transport advice, join my Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook group
We’ve got nearly 5,000 members, many of whom have relocated with pets from the US. You’ll find advice on everything – paperwork, crates, direct routes, pet taxis from Paris, even how to sail over on the Queen Mary 2.
Affordability & Being a Responsible Pet Owner
This part is crucial. With the Renters Rights Bill due to come into effect from summer to autumn 2025, landlords are becoming even more selective.
- Evictions will be harder, even in cases of rent arrears
- All tenancies will be periodic, meaning rolling contracts
- Tenants can give just 2 months’ notice at any time — even on day one
Translation: landlords want tenants who are low-risk and financially solid. They’ll look closely at your monthly income, and reference checks are strict — especially for self-employed renters or those paid in foreign currency.
🔗 Use this Rent Affordability Calculator to check your max rent:
➡️ Real example: I had a client who was £8/month under the affordability threshold — they had to pay nearly £200 upfront to bridge that gap over a two-year tenancy. Why? Their income was in USD, and the exchange rate fluctuated.
Tip: If you have UK-based family or friends, see if they’ll act as your guarantor. Otherwise, look into services like Rent Guarantor, which can help overseas tenants.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
Before applying for a rental, get your documents together. At minimum, make sure your visa is in process and you’ve checked your Right to Rent status:
✅ Essential Documents:
- Employment reference: Include position, salary, and ideally company letterhead
- Landlord reference: Shows you paid rent on time and your pets caused no issues
- Pet CV: Yes, really! Click to create
🎯 Pet CV tips:
- Include clear photos and descriptions of your pets’ temperament
- Mention if you work from home – shows your pets aren’t left alone all day
- Highlight training, flea treatments, vaccinations
- For larger dogs, stress that they’re well-exercised, quiet, and calm
- Include weight for small/medium pets – landlords often imagine worst-case scenarios
Timing Your Search
UK tenants usually give two months’ notice, and properties hit the market fast. If you’re new to the area, allow at least 3 months to research locations, work out your budget, and focus on pet-friendly options.
🎯 Top tip: Have a shortlist of 3–5 locations. This makes it easier to monitor listings and build relationships with local estate agents who may tip you off when something comes up. Use: Rightmove the main UK property portal to keep an eye on listing, locations and prices. Especially price reductions.
Dealing with Estate Agents
Let’s be honest: agents have short memories. Stay in touch just enough to stay top of mind – not too much, not too little. Check if pets are allowed on each listing, even if it’s not stated.
⚡ The market moves fast – some properties are gone within 24 hours.
💡 Watch for price drops! If a property is suddenly within budget, act quickly – those landlords are usually ready to accept a good tenant, pets and all.
Making an Offer on a Property
Keep it simple. Don’t go in too low – you risk losing credibility and making room for another applicant to swoop in.
📂 Have these details ready when you make an offer:
- Offer price
- Desired tenancy length (1-year break clause if possible – check Guide
- Preferred move-in date
- Furnished or unfurnished
- Details of pets
- Your employment and salary
- Any special requests (repairs, removals, garden, cleaning, etc.)
💷 Once accepted, pay the 1-week holding deposit to take the property off the market.
🗽 US tip: Transfer that deposit ASAP. Some UK agents accept screenshots, others wait for funds to clear — clarify in advance so no one else can jump in with a higher offer.
Referencing & Tenancy Agreement
Once your offer is accepted, referencing begins. This is done via platforms like Goodlord or Homelet, and you’ll fill everything out online.
📑 When you get your draft tenancy agreement, read it thoroughly. Check that:
- Your pets are named, with breed and description
- Special conditions are clearly stated
🐶 Want more info on renting with pets in the UK? Check out Dogs Trust’s excellent Lets with Pets guide.
🛑 Don’t forget: You’ll pay a 5-week deposit, held in a government-backed scheme. This is refundable at the end of the tenancy, assuming no damage. Some landlords argue it’s not enough to cover pet-related issues, but in my experience, responsible owners rarely have problems.
Final Thoughts
I’m not here to be all doom and gloom – just honest.
Successive governments have failed to properly back pet-owning renters. The new bill still stops short of giving renters the legal right to have pets. Until it does, landlords can still say no, and many will continue to find reasons to do just that.
But – with good prep, a solid application, and the right approach – you absolutely can find the right rental for you and your pets.
If you’ve got questions, need support, or just want to connect with others going through the same thing, come join us in the Facebook group:
🐾 Relocating to the UK with Pets
Or book in a no obligation call to discuss in more detail or please feel free to join The Ask A UK Pets and Property Professional Facebook Group
Russell Hunt is the founder of Petslets.com , where he serves as a pet-friendly UK property specialist. He was also a property agent for many years and still advises clients on their purchases. People forget that some buildings say no to pets, even if you own the property.
