Should You Accept Tenants with Pets? The Surprising Truth 

As your letting agent, we’re often asked: “Should I allow pets in my rental property?” With 57% of households owning pets but only 7% of rentals accepting them, there’s clearly a disconnect. Here’s what the latest research reveals – and why you might want to reconsider your pet policy. 

The Bottom Line for Landlords 

New data shows pet-owning tenants stay longer and often cause less damage than you’d expect. However, when problems do occur, recovering costs can be challenging. With new laws coming that will require you to “reasonably consider” pet requests, here’s what you need to know to protect your investment. 

Why Pet-Friendly Properties Can Be More Profitable 

Longer Tenancies Mean Better Returns 

• Pet owners stay 63 months on average vs 58 months for tenants without pets 

• 50% of pet owners stay 3+ years compared to just 31% without pets 

• This means fewer void periods, less marketing costs, and reduced wear from tenant turnover 

The Damage Myth Busted 

The numbers might surprise you: 

• 76% of landlords report no pet damage in their properties 

• When damage does occur, pets cause £300 on average vs £775 for adult tenants 

• 84% of landlords receive no neighbour complaints about pets 

Premium Rent Opportunities 

With so few pet-friendly rentals available, responsible pet owners often pay above-market rates for suitable properties. You’re serving an underserved market willing to pay more. 

The Real Risks You Should Know About 

Cost Recovery Challenges 

• 85% of landlords do experience some form of pet damage over time 

• 57% struggle to recover these costs under current deposit rules 

• Insurance rarely covers pet damage (only 0.5% successful claims) 

Not Every Property Suits Pets 

Small flats, properties with restrictive leases, or buildings where pets would be impractical remain legitimate reasons to say no. 

What’s Changing: New Laws Affecting Your Rights 

The Renters’ Rights Bill (expected late 2025) will require you to: 

• Consider each pet request individually – no blanket “no pets” policies 

• Provide written reasons if you refuse 

• Allow tenants to challenge unreasonable refusals 

Good news: Recent amendments mean you can require pet deposits up to 3 weeks’ rent to protect your property. 

Our Recommendations for Your Portfolio 

Protect Your Investment 

• Professional inventories before any pet-owning tenant moves in 

• Regular property inspections (we can arrange these) 

• Tenant referencing that specifically asks about pet behaviour 

• Use the new pet deposit option when laws change 

Strategic Opportunities 

Consider making select suitable properties pet-friendly to: 

• Access longer-staying tenants who treat your property as home 

• Command premium rents in an underserved market 

• Reduce your void periods and turnover costs 

We’ll Handle the Compliance 

When the new laws take effect, we’ll ensure you: 

• Handle pet requests properly and legally 

• Document decisions to protect against challenges 

• Understand what constitutes “reasonable refusal” 
• Stay compliant while protecting your interests

Should You Go Pet-Friendly? 

For the right properties with the right tenants, the data strongly suggests yes. Academic research shows “clear financial benefits over 12 years, with total benefits exceeding costs.” 

Our advice: Let us assess your portfolio and identify which properties might benefit from a pet-friendly approach. We’ll handle the additional checks, paperwork, and compliance requirements so you can capture this profitable market segment with confidence. 

The letting landscape is changing, and landlords who adapt strategically will outperform those who don’t.

Ready to explore pet-friendly options for your portfolio? Contact us to discuss which of your properties might benefit from this approach and how we’ll protect your investment every step of the way.