Renting with pets in the UK has long been a challenge for tenants, and while the upcoming Renters Rights Bill promises to make it harder for landlords to unreasonably refuse tenants with pets, the reality may not be as straightforward. Despite legislative changes aimed at addressing the issue, the broader rental market trends suggest that finding pet-friendly housing will remain a significant hurdle for tenants. Here’s why.
1. Limited Supply of Pet-Friendly Properties
The UK rental market has always struggled with a lack of pet-friendly properties, and this isn’t likely to change overnight. Key reasons include:
- Landlord Reluctance: Many landlords remain wary of allowing pets due to concerns about potential property damage, noise complaints, and increased wear and tear.
- Stricter Regulations: The Renters Rights Bill will allow tenants to challenge unreasonable refusals in court, but this added layer of complexity may deter some landlords from renting to pet owners altogether.
- Exit of Private Landlords: With stricter rules and rising costs, a significant number of private landlords are leaving the market, further reducing the pool of rental properties available.
2. Increasing Costs for Pet Owners
Even if landlords are more open to accepting pets, it may come at a cost for tenants. Many landlords will likely impose additional conditions, such as:
- Pet Insurance: The Renters Rights Bill allows landlords to require tenants to cover pet-related damages through insurance policies.
- Higher Rents: Landlords may increase rent for pet owners to offset perceived risks and costs.
- Additional Pet Clauses: Leases could include more stringent terms, making it essential for tenants to comply with specific pet-related conditions.
3. High Demand and Competitive Market
The UK rental market is already under immense pressure due to high demand and limited supply. This creates a competitive environment where:
- Pet Owners Face Discrimination: Even with legal protections, landlords often choose tenants without pets to minimize perceived complications.
- Longer Waiting Times: Pet owners may have to wait significantly longer to find suitable housing, particularly in urban areas like London, Manchester, or Birmingham.
- Compromises on Quality or Location: Tenants with pets might have to settle for less desirable properties or locations to secure a home.
4. Build-to-Rent Developments May Not Be the Solution
Build-to-Rent (BTR) developments have grown rapidly in recent years, offering professionally managed rental properties with modern amenities. While some BTR operators are pet-friendly, challenges remain:
- Additional Fees: Many BTR properties charge extra for pets, such as monthly pet fees or deposits.
- Lack of Flexibility: Corporate landlords may impose stricter rules regarding the size, breed, or number of pets allowed.
- Limited Availability: Pet-friendly BTR options are still relatively scarce compared to overall demand.
5. The Myth of the Pet-Friendly Market
While the Renters Rights Bill is a step in the right direction, it’s unlikely to create a truly pet-friendly rental market. Some challenges include:
- Ambiguity in the Law: Terms like “unreasonably refuse” are open to interpretation, potentially leading to disputes and delays.
- Landlord Workarounds: Landlords may find indirect ways to avoid renting to pet owners, such as setting high affordability thresholds or prioritizing tenants without pets.
- Cultural Shift Required: Changing attitudes toward pets in rental properties will take time, and legislation alone cannot address deep-seated biases.
6. What Tenants Can Do to Navigate the Market
While the rental market for pet owners remains tough, there are ways to improve your chances:
- Create a Pet CV : Highlight your pet’s behaviour, training, and health records to reassure landlords.
- Offer Pet Insurance: Proactively demonstrate your willingness to cover any pet-related damages.
- Be Flexible: Expand your search area or consider different property types to increase your options.
- Work with Specialists: Engage with property professionals who understand the challenges of renting with pets and can advocate on your behalf.
Conclusion
Despite legal reforms, renting with pets in the UK will continue to be challenging due to market conditions, landlord hesitations, and the competitive nature of the rental sector. While tenant protections are improving, pet owners must remain proactive, prepared, and flexible to navigate these hurdles successfully.
For now, finding pet-friendly housing requires patience, perseverance, and a bit of creativity. While change is on the horizon, the journey for pet owners is far from over.
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.
