How to Find a Pet Friendly Rental: Advice for Tenants

Having a pet is one of life’s greatest joys! Just because you’re renting, it doesn’t mean you have to live without your furry (or unfurry) companions. With more people renting long-term, finding a pet-friendly rental is a top priority for many tenants.

If you want to find a pet-friendly rental, in this article we’ll give our view on renting with pets and some tips on how to find a pet-friendly rental that you and your beloved animals can call home - together!

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Is it Hard to Rent With Pets?

Finding a rental that allows pets can be tricky. According to Zoopla, only 7% of landlords advertise pet-friendly rentals on their property listings . This can make finding a rental that allows you to live with your dog, cat, or reptilian friend difficult.

However, new rules introduced in the UK require landlords to refrain from issuing a blanket ban on pets. If a tenant requests to rent with a pet, the landlord should consider your request seriously and only decline if they have a sound reason.

This is good news for renters, but it can still make finding a pet-friendly rental difficult. Sometimes, speaking to a local letting agent is the best way to find out if the landlord already accepts pets in their property without you having to submit a request.

How to Find a Pet-Friendly Rental

With that in mind, let's break down the best ways to find pet-friendly properties for pet owners. Whether you're a dog owner, cat owner, or anything in between, here are three quick ways to identify pet friendly landlords that are happy for both you and your pet to stay in their property.

1. Apply Filters

When browsing rentals on rental property portals, make use of the ‘pet-friendly property’ filters available. While data suggests that not all landlords use the filter, you could still find several properties in your search results – one of which could be the dream home you’re looking for.

2. Ask a Landlord

Since the new rules for landlords mean they shouldn’t issue a blanket ban on pets, you can make a request on any rental property to ask if you can live there with your furry friend.

When making your request, include as much information as possible to convince the landlord that your pet is well-behaved and you are a responsible owner. Include a picture of your pet if you can, and highlight other information like training and vaccination records in your request. Consider it your pet CV!

3. Speak to a Letting Agent

Local letting agents like The Letting Experts are great resources to help you find a pet-friendly rental when house hunting. Often, they’ll know if a potential landlord is open to pets even if it’s not directly advertised on a property listing, which can save you time when enquiring about rental properties that may never change their stance on 'lets with pets'.

Register your details with The Letting Experts and let us know that you’re specifically looking for a place to rent with a pet. We can help with your search and notify you when new properties become available that meet your requirements. You can call us on 0333 344 9915 or email us at hello@thelettingexperts.co.uk

Are you a landlord reading this? You may be interested in Should I Let Tenants Keep A Pet?

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet-Friendly Rental Properties

Are outdoor spaces commonly available in pet-friendly rental properties in the UK?

Many pet-friendly rentals offer outdoor spaces, providing a suitable environment for pets. When searching, consider using filters to identify properties with outdoor areas.

How can previous landlord references impact my search for a pet-friendly rental?

Having positive references from previous landlords can strengthen your case when applying for a pet-friendly rental. Landlords may be more inclined to accept tenants with a history of responsible pet ownership.

What advice can help in my search for pet-friendly rental properties?

Apply filters on rental portals, request permission directly from landlords, and consult local letting agents to streamline your search for pet-friendly rentals in your desired location.

Do a significant portion of the UK population own dogs, influencing the demand for pet-friendly rentals?

Yes, the high number of dog owners in the UK contributes to the demand for pet-friendly rentals. Understanding this demand can be helpful when navigating the rental market with a pet.