Finding a Place to Rent with Pets
For many tenants with pets, finding a rental property that accepts pets has proven to be one of the biggest challenges of renting a property in the UK. While some landlords and letting agents may be willing to accept a tenant with a goldfish, cats and dogs are often a different story. But there is good news for tenants with pets in England, as rules have recently changed in their favour.
Your right to ask for a pet in England
Under the Renters’ Rights Act, from 1 May 2026 tenants in the private rented sector in England have the right to ask to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse. The request must be made in writing and describe the pet. According to the government’s guidance for landlords on what to do if a tenant wants a pet, landlords have 28 days to respond in writing and must consider each request case by case. A refusal can be reasonable in some situations, for example where a superior landlord’s lease bans pets.
Note: The laws on allowing pets in rental properties are different in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check the current position where you are renting.
Work with a good local letting agent
The first step is to speak to a professional local letting agent like this letting agents Bridgwater based company sykesmoore.co.uk/lettings/letting-agent/ about what you need. They can match you with landlords who are open to pets and put your request in the best light. Many landlords are happy with a well-behaved cat or small dog, especially when they know more about the animal and its owner.
Show you are a responsible pet owner
A little preparation makes landlords far more comfortable saying yes.
- A reference from a previous landlord confirming your pet caused no problems.
- Proof of vaccinations, flea and worming treatment and neutering.
- A short “pet CV” with a photo, age, temperament and training.
- Details of who looks after the pet when you are away or at work.
- A plan for keeping the property clean and dealing with any wear and tear.
Look at pet-friendly specialists and short lets
Some agencies and websites specialise in pet-friendly rentals, which saves time because every property listed accepts animals. If you need somewhere for a short period, such as three to six months while you house-hunt or work away, holiday and short-stay lets can be an option. Consider an Air BnB, where many hosts accept pets and longer stays may attract better rates.
Pet-friendly renting checklist
| Step | Why it helps |
|---|---|
| Ask in writing, describing your pet | Required for a formal request in England |
| Provide references and vet records | Shows your pet is well cared for |
| Explain how you will prevent and fix any damage | Reassures the landlord about repairs |
| Check the property suits the animal | Gardens, flooring and space matter for dogs |
| Keep the property clean and repair any damage | Protects your deposit and future references |
Frequently asked questions
Can a landlord charge a higher deposit for a pet?
Under the Tenant Fees Act, in England, tenancy deposits for most tenancies are capped at 5 weeks’ rent (or 6 weeks’ where the annual rent is £50,000 or above), whether or not you have a pet. A landlord cannot charge a separate pet deposit on top of that cap but would be able to use the deposit to pay for repairs where there has been pet damage at the end of the tenancy.
What if my landlord refuses my pet request?
You should ask your landlord for a written reason for refusing. Government guidance says reasonable grounds for refusal can include where there is another tenant with an allergy to the proposed animal, or where because of its size the property is not large enough for the proposed animal. A landlord’s refusal on grounds of personal preference alone is however not reasonable. If you think a refusal is unreasonable, you could complain to your landlord and if that fails take the matter to court.
Where to go next
For more advice on your search, read our tips to help you find a suitable property to rent.
