For students with pets, finding pet-friendly apartments in London can be a difficult in a competitive market.

Landlords prefer tenants without pets as they are concerned about damage pets could cause their properties. Some of the bigger Central London building have strict no pets policies.

Fortunately, Pets Lets specialises in finding pet friendly properties for clients who are relocating to London with their pets. We have even set up the Relocating to the UK with Pets Facebook Group. That is how much we care about pets and property.

I source pet friendly apartments in the best neighbourhoods, ideally near the different London University campuses, depending on budget.

As a born and bred Londoner and having worked in London property for nearly 30 years, I would like to offer some pet friendly property tips:

Plan Ahead: Start your housing search early. I would give yourself a minimum of 2 months if you know London or 3 + months if you don’t to give yourself the best chance of securing a pet-friendly property. Be flexible with location and budget, and be ready to negotiate with landlords.
Estate Agents communication: It is quite common for estate agents not to respond to email enquiries through property portals. There is enough demand from people who can view the property at a moments notice. Someone based overseas with a pet is not that appealing.
Really important: A UK Guarantor. Either a friend or family member based in the UK who will meet the affordability criteria or a reputable company such as Rent Guarantor who I would recommend.
Funding: Really important. Show proof as well as source of funds. Is it from parents, savings, or a loan.
Pet CV is an important tool for landlords and agents to visualise your pets with some cute pictures. Also mention a bit about their character. Things like they sleep a lot so cause no damage or go on daily walks to work off excess energy. If your dog is trained, then list qualifications. Mention vaccinations are up to date.
Pet References: If possible, get a reference from a previous landlord to show your pet is well-behaved.
Pet Insurance: Consider taking out pet insurance that includes coverage for property damage. This can reassure landlords.
A letter from you University offering you a place
With students, some landlords ask for more funds up front. This may well change with the enactment of the Renters Rights Bill
Be flexible: If a property is available a week or two before you arrive, my advice would be to take it. Timing to move in is not an exact science. You don’t want a place with a move in date a few days later than your arrival date. Airbnbs can be really expensive
Furnishings: Be flexible with furnishings. Consider an unfurnished property. It can be easier with a pet as you’re not ‘potentially’ damaging the landlord’s furniture.
Property Portals: If you decide to look for your own property, then look at Rightmove or Open Rent to work out locations that fit your budget.

Conclusion

Overall, Landlords do seem happy with small ‘handbag dogs’ or house cats. Would you believe, some buildings are only ‘cat friendly’.

As a student, a landlord may want to know how much your dog or cat will be left alone. They prefer people who work a lot from home. Just bear that in mind.

Generally London is a pet friendly city. Many Cafes and pubs and even some department stores allow pets. For more information about Dog friendly London, have a look at The Dog Vine

Please book a free Discovery Call if you have any UK property questions.

I hope this information is helpful. If you’re relocating to the UK with your pets, feel free to join our informative Facebook group, “Relocating to the UK with your Pets”, for more guidance and support.

Russell Hunt is the founder of Petslets.com, where he serves as a pet-friendly UK property specialist. He advises clients on renting and buying properties in and around London as well as across the UK.

Day: 15 January 2025

Tips on Student Pet Friendly Apartments in London

Landlords & Agents, London Dogs, Pet Travel, Relocation, Renting with Pets, Uncategorised / By russell

For students with pets, finding pet-friendly apartments in London can be a difficult in a competitive market. Landlords prefer tenants without pets as they are concerned about damage pets could cause their properties. Some of the bigger Central London building have strict no pets policies. Fortunately, Pets Lets specialises in finding pet friendly properties for …

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