New data reveals only a marginal rise in pet-friendly rental listings ahead of rule changes in May.
28th Jan 20261 483 1 minute read Simon Cairnes
Just 8.2% of rental properties in England are currently advertised as pet-friendly, despite forthcoming reforms that will strengthen tenants’ rights to keep pets, according to Siân Hemming-Metcalfe (pictured), Operations Director at Inventory Base.
Analysis carried out by the inspection software firm shows the proportion of pet-friendly listings has increased by just 0.6% compared with January 2025 – only a marginal shift in landlord behaviour ahead of the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act.
pet-friendlyThe North East is the most pet-friendly part of the country, with 11.5% of listings welcoming pets, and it also has the largest annual increase at 2.6%.
The East Midlands is the least pet-friendly, with landlords allowing pets in just 5.6% of listings. It is also the only region where availability is falling, down 0.5% year on year.
From 1 May, private rented tenants will have a legal right to ask their landlord’s permission to keep a pet. This will become an implied term in all private tenancy agreements, even where contracts do not currently mention pets.
In addition, landlords will be prohibited from charging extra rent or fees specifically for having a pet, and it will be harder to evict tenants following the ban on Section 21 evictions.
Many are either taking a wait-and-see approach or haven’t fully prepared for the changes ahead.”
Commenting on the findings, Hemming-Metcalfe says: “Despite the Renters’ Rights Act significantly strengthening tenants’ ability to keep pets, this data shows that landlords are yet to meaningfully adapt, with pet-friendly listings increasing only marginally.
“This suggests many are either taking a wait-and-see approach or haven’t fully prepared for the changes ahead.
“As the Act makes it harder to refuse pet requests or regain possession where pets are kept, landlords now need to prepare for the fact that more and more tenants are going to be pet owners.”
She recommends landlords use inventories and regular inspections to protect themselves against potential pet-related damage.
Tagslets with pets renters' rights act 28th Jan 20261 483 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email
