For pet owners relocating to the UK, or those already here, finding pet-friendly rentals in London or across the UK can be a frustrating, expensive, and time-consuming process. With the long-awaited Renters Rights Bill making its way into law, many ask the same question: Will it finally make renting with pets easier?
Short answer? Not really. Here’s why.
What Does the Renters Rights Bill Say About Pets?
The Bill includes a headline change that sounds promising: tenants will have the legal right to request permission to keep a pet, and landlords can’t “unreasonably refuse.” This has been sold as a breakthrough for renting with pets in the UK, especially for people moving to the UK with a dog or cat.
The problem lies in the loopholes and lack of clarity:
- Landlords still have 28 days to respond and can say no for vague reasons, like “timing” or “suitability of the tenant.”
- Flats or houses with “no pets” leasehold clauses are exempt.
- Landlords won’t be allowed to ask tenants to pay for pet insurance, but they also don’t get extra deposit protection.
- A proposed three-week pet deposit may be allowed, but it’s unclear whether that’s on top of the 5-week security deposit or included in it.
- And from 2025, landlords can no longer ask for more than one month’s rent upfront, removing another workaround for tenants with dogs or multiple pets.
So, while the bill appears to support pet owners renting in the UK, in practice, landlords may still reject pets without saying it’s about the pet.
The Reality of Renting with Pets in London and Beyond
If you’re renting with a dog in London, chances are you’ve already come up against the usual problems:
❌ Agents don’t return calls
❌ Landlords say “no pets” without explanation
❌ Listings are vague or misleading
❌ Higher rent or cleaning fees are often quietly added
Even if the law says you can request a pet, it doesn’t stop agents from “recommending” non-pet-owning tenants to landlords who want minimal hassle.
This is a major problem for expats moving to the UK with dogs, who often find themselves blocked at every turn, despite strong references and fully house-trained pets.
Why Private Landlords Are Still Saying No
With many private landlords leaving the market, frustrated by tax changes and regulatory pressure, there’s less rental stock overall. That makes landlords pickier and less willing to take a “risk” on pets.
The Renters Rights Bill doesn’t offer landlords any real protection:
- No pet-specific deposit unless clarified
- Insurance must be paid by the landlord, not the tenant
- Landlords may worry about higher costs and damage risks
It’s a lose-lose situation: tenants with pets feel shut out, while landlords feel punished for saying yes.
Who’s Actually Winning? Build-to-Rent Corporates
The real winners in all this? Corporate landlords and Build-to-Rent developers.
Companies like Blackstone, Lloyds, and Legal & General are investing billions in “pet-friendly” rental buildings across the UK. But there’s a catch:
🐶 You’ll pay extra “pet rent”
📃 Contracts are stricter
💸 Tenants in arrears won’t get the same flexibility as they might with a private landlord
Still, for tenants moving to the UK with pets, these properties are often more open to cats and dogs, because the pet surcharge is profitable.
Tips for Tenants Renting with Pets in the UK
To navigate the reality behind the PR of the Renters Rights Bill, here are a few practical tips:
- Prepare a Pet CV – A great way to show landlords your dog or cat is well-behaved and low-risk.
- Get a UK guarantor – Still the best way to reassure landlords if you’re an expat or self-employed.
- Be flexible – Consider older buildings, unfurnished homes, or less “perfect” locations.
- Get everything in writing – Always have written confirmation that pets are allowed before signing.
- Contents Insurance with accidental pets damage cover
- Use a relocation agent – Especially for international moves with pets, a property expert can save time, money, and stress.
Final Thoughts: A Missed Opportunity
Despite the headlines, the Renters Rights Bill may actually make it harder for pet owners,not easier. Without clearer protections for landlords and stronger enforcement, the system still leans toward pet-free tenants.
Until there’s real reform, renting with pets in the UK, especially in London, will remain a challenge.
Need help navigating UK rentals with pets?
Russell Hunt is a leading UK pets and property expert, and founder of Pets Lets, specialising in helping people rent and buy homes in London and across the UK with their cats and dogs. He also founded the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group, where he offers advice to pet owners. For a no-obligation chat, you can book a call here.
