Believe it or not, there are buildings in London that are so cat-friendly they actually say no to dogs! Renting with pets in London can be a bit of a maze to navigate.
With nearly 30 years of experience in the UK property market, I made it my mission to help pet owners and work with landlords to make pet-friendly rentals more accessible. I assist clients in relocating to London with their pets and also provide guidance on other areas across the UK.
Finding pet-friendly rentals in London, particularly for cat owners, can be tricky due to the city’s competitive market and many landlords’ hesitance to accept pets. But with the right strategy and resources, you can find the perfect home for you and your furry friend.
Renting with a cat can be different with landlords. If you have a house cat, then say so. If you have more than one cat, show you are organised. For example, you have a methodical way of feeding them as well as scratch pillars, so there is no damage to the furniture.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Cat friendly client testimonial & case study
Found a lovely client a flat in the heart of London within walking distance to work. A quiet neighbourhood in a cat ONLY friendly building.
“Russell found me a wonderful flat overlooking central London. The flat is incredibly quiet, and I love having a concierge. As someone relocating from the US, I can’t recommend Russell enough. He guided me every step of the way. Couldn’t have done it without him. Thank you!”
1. Utilise Pet-Friendly Property Platforms:
- Lets with Pets: Part of the charity Dogs Trust this is a great source of information when it comes to renting with pets.
- Rightmove: The number 1 UK property portal and the best place to start. Sadly, the ‘pet filter’ is very limited.
- Zoopla: Another big UK property portal. You will seem duplications with Rightmove. Again, the ‘pet filter’ is limited.
- SpareRoom: Allows you to search for rooms in shared accommodations that consider pets.
2. Pet CV Tips:
A Pet CV truly makes a difference with landlords. I’m not making it up. Been there and done it for clients. I recall a Hedgehog winning over a landlord; agent told me.
A few adorable pictures & a bit about their characters can go a long way in helping landlords say yes to your pets.
Here are some helpful tips:
- Avoid any photos of chewing or scratching. Seems obvious, but it’s worth mentioning!
- If you work from home often, be sure to mention it. Landlords appreciate that.
- Highlight any training qualifications. It shows you’re a responsible pet owner.
- If your pet is older, emphasise that. They tend to sleep a lot, making them ideal tenants.
- Confirm that your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
- Offer a reference from a previous landlord or a professional like a vet or doggy day care.
Click here to create your own Pet CV
3. Offer Additional Security:
- Pet Deposit: While the Tenant Fees Act 2019 caps deposits, discuss the possibility of a slightly higher deposit to cover potential pet-related damages.
- Pet Insurance: Consider obtaining pet insurance that includes coverage for property damage, which can reassure landlords.
4. Highlight Responsible Pet Ownership:
- Routine Care: Emphasize that your cat is well-groomed and litter-trained.
- Home Setup: Explain how you plan to maintain the property, such as using scratching posts to prevent damage to furniture.
5. Be Flexible and Proactive:
- Broaden Your Search: Consider different neighbourhoods or property types to increase your options.
- Communicate Openly: Be upfront about your pet from the beginning and address any concerns the landlord may have.
6. Stay Informed About Legal Changes:
- Renters Rights Bill: The UK government has proposed legislation to prevent landlords from unreasonably refusing tenants with pets. Staying updated on such developments can provide additional support in your search.
By leveraging these resources and demonstrating your commitment to responsible pet ownership, you can improve your chances of finding a cat-friendly rental in London.
For pet owners, based in the UK as well as overseas, we also offer a Relocation Service . We go through what you are looking for, come up with suggestions, source pet friendly properties through contacts, as well as negotiate on the rent and make sure all is in order with the tenancy agreement and includes a pets clause.
If you’re relocating to the UK from the US or from anywhere in the world without your pet initially, using Trusted Housesitters can be an excellent and affordable way to establish a UK base while you decide where you’d like to settle.
Faced with this uncertainty, many people are choosing not to “wait and see.” As someone who frequently works with U.S. clients relocating to the UK with their pets, I’m here to offer assistance. If you have questions about UK properties, feel free to book a no obligation call: Book a Quick Chat.
In January 2024, I launched the Relocating to the UK with Your Pets Facebook group to provide guidance and support. The group has grown to over 3,500 members, many of whom are from the U.S., offering a space for sharing experiences and advice.
I’m Russell Hunt, founder of Petsletsrelocation.com, specialising in pet-friendly UK property solutions. I advise clients on renting and buying properties in and around London.
