"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"
- Siân Hemming-Metcalfe - Inventory Base
New analysis from Inventory Base shows that the proportion of pet-friendly rental homes in England has increased only marginally, despite upcoming changes under the Renters’ Rights Act that strengthen tenants’ ability to keep animals in rented properties.
The inspection and compliance technology provider found that 8.2% of current rental listings in England now advertise as pet-friendly. This represents an annual increase of 0.6% compared with January 2025.
Regional data points to uneven adoption across the country:
North East: 11.5% of listings are pet-friendly, up 2.6% year on year
South West: 9.1% of listings allow pets
London: 8.8%
South East: 8.6%
North West: 8.5%
At the other end of the scale, the East Midlands remains the least pet-friendly region, with just 5.6% of listings welcoming animals. It is also the only region to record a decline, with pet-friendly listings falling by 0.5% over the year.
What the Renters’ Rights Act means for pet ownership
From 1 May, private rented tenants will gain a legal right to request permission from their landlord to keep a pet. This will become an implied term in all private tenancy agreements, even where contracts do not currently mention pets.
Landlords will no longer be able to refuse requests automatically or on personal preference alone. Any refusal must be reasonable and set out in a written response. Examples could include situations where a property is too small for a large animal or where another tenant has an allergy.
Tenants must submit their request in writing and include a description of the animal. Landlords will then have 28 days to respond formally.
The ban on Section 21 evictions is also expected to make enforcement more complex when pets are kept without permission. Landlords will need to provide clear evidence that a pet has been present in the property, which may prove difficult in practice.
Where a pet causes damage, landlords may still be able to rely on grounds 13 or 15 to seek possession, which relate to deterioration of the property or its furnishings. However, landlords will not be permitted to charge additional rent or specific fees for allowing a pet.
“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,” said Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, operations director at Inventory Base. “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. As such, landlords must start focusing on protecting themselves against any financial costs this could possibly create.
“The best way to do this, given that landlords will not be allowed to take any additional deposit money to cover pet damage specifically, is by ensuring they complete comprehensive, accurate inventories with regular inspections. This is now essential to evidence property condition, manage risk, and safeguard against the potential costs associated with pet-related damage in the new rental landscape.”
The findings suggest that while legislative change is approaching, many landlords have yet to reflect this shift in their advertised rental policies. Inventory Base’s data indicates that preparation for the new rules remains limited, particularly in regions where pet-friendly listings are already below the national average.
