Estate Agents’ Guide to Renting with Pets: How the New Rules Will Affect Tenants and Landlords

Renting with pets is an emotive topic that often causes strong feelings between landlords and tenants, and for very good reasons. Pets are family to many tenants, but landlords and estate agents worry about the potential damage, noise and disruption to rental properties.

For years, many landlords enforced strict “no pets” policies, leaving responsible pet owners with few options or forcing them to give up their pets just to secure a home. However, the upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill, currently progressing through Parliament, is set to change this by granting tenants greater rights to keep pets while still protecting landlords’ property interests.

In this article, we break down what these changes mean for landlords, tenants, and estate agents, and explain how estate agent CRM software can help manage pet-friendly lettings.

What’s Changing in Renting with Pets?

Under the new rules, tenants will have the legal right to request permission to keep pets in their rental homes. Importantly, landlords and estate agents can no longer apply blanket “no pets” policies or refuse such requests without a valid reason.

Key changes include:

• Tenants can make formal pet requests even if their tenancy agreement says ‘no pets’.

• Landlords must respond within 28 days. Failure to reply means the tenant may automatically be allowed to keep their pet.

• Refusals must be reasonable and justified, such as if the property is unsuitable for pets or leasehold restrictions apply.

This ensures landlords and estate agents assess pet requests individually and prevents automatic or unfair rejections.

Want to stay ahead of upcoming changes? Read our ultimate guide to rent reform and key 2025 policies for estate agents.

Can Landlords Still Refuse Pets?

Yes, but with conditions. Landlords can refuse a pet request only if they provide a valid reason, for example:

• The property is too small or doesn’t have outdoor space suitable for pets.

• Lease agreements or freeholder rules prohibit pets in the building.

• The tenant has a history of neglecting pet care or causing damage.

Unjustified refusals can be challenged by tenants, encouraging a balanced approach that respects both landlord concerns and tenant rights.

How Can Landlords Protect Their Properties from Pet Damage?

Landlords have legitimate concerns about pets causing damage to their properties, such as scratched floors, stained carpets, or smells. There may also be noise concerns or problems with neighbours.

To safeguard their investment, landlords should consider:

• Pet Damage Insurance: Landlords can ask tenants to buy insurance that covers damage caused by pets. This way, if the pet causes damage to the property, the costs can be paid through insurance rather than out of the landlord’s pocket. Some landlords may also choose to buy this insurance themselves and charge the tenant a fair amount for it.

• Clear Pet Rules: The tenancy agreement should include a detailed “Pet Clause.” This clause sets out what types of pets are allowed, how many, and what the tenant must do to keep the property clean and quiet. It can also explain what happens if the pet causes damage or complaints arise.

• Automate Regular Inspections: Landlords or their letting agents should check the property regularly to catch any damage early before it escalates into costly repairs.

• Fair Rent Adjustments: While the Tenant Fees Act limits extra deposits, landlords can add a fair premium to monthly rent to cover extra wear and tear caused by pets.

Are Pet Charges Fair?

Pet charges, often called “pet rent,” vary widely. A recent Guardian article highlighted that MP Taiwo Owatemi paid a staggering £900 surcharge just to keep her cockapoo in a rented London flat - costs she later claimed on her Parliamentary expenses.

Many landlords charge between £25 and £100 per month in pet rent. Current laws like the Tenant Fees Act restrict one-off pet fees and deposit limits, but do not cap extra monthly rent charges, allowing some landlords to charge high premiums.

This loophole has sparked controversy, with many tenants arguing that such fees are unfair and excessive.

What Should Tenants Include When Requesting a Pet?

To improve chances of getting approval, tenants should provide landlords or estate agents with detailed information such as:

• Type, breed, size, and age of the pet(s).

• Veterinary health and vaccination records.

• References from previous landlords or vets to prove responsible pet ownership.

Providing this information helps landlords feel confident that the pet will be well cared for and less likely to cause damage.

Will Allowing Pets Increase Risks for Landlords?

While pets can sometimes cause damage or disturbances, the risks can be minimised with proper agreements and insurance. Most pet-owning tenants are responsible and treat the property with care.

Benefits of allowing pets include:

• Longer tenancy durations, as tenants with pets prefer to stay put to avoid moving their animals.

• Reduced vacancy periods because pet-friendly properties attract a larger pool of potential tenants.

Using Estate Agent CRM Software to Manage Pet-Friendly Rentals

Managing pet-related lettings can be complex as tracking pet requests, inspections, insurance documents, and tenant communications takes time and organisation. Estate agents can use their CRM software to help make this easier. 

With CRM software, lettings agents and landlords can:

• Track and manage pet permission requests with automated reminders for landlord responses within 28 days.

• Store all pet documentation, including insurance proofs, vaccination records, and references, securely in one place.

• Manage pre-tenancy agreements and clauses digitally, making it easy to update or customise pet policies.

• Schedule and log property inspections to monitor any pet-related issues over time. 

• Communicate seamlessly with tenants and landlords, reducing disputes and delays.

Using CRM technology ensures landlords and estate agents stay compliant with new laws while offering efficient, transparent service to tenants with pets.

Finding Balance in Pet-Friendly Lettings

The Renters’ Rights Bill helps tenants keep their animals without unfair penalties, while giving landlords and estate agents clear ways to protect their properties.

By adopting clear pet policies, requiring insurance, and using the best estate agent CRM software, property professionals can confidently manage pet-friendly lettings, attracting more tenants, reducing void periods and maintaining property standards.