An estimated 4 million of England's renters have got, or plan to get, a pet this year following Renters' Rights Act reforms that gave tenants the legal right to request one, according to new research from landlord insurance provider Simply Business.
The findings arrive as landlords adjust to a regulatory shift that removed pet deposits as a tool for managing damage risk.
The reforms took effect on 1 May, when landlords in England became legally required to consider pet requests on a case-by-case basis. Since then, more than one in ten renters (12%) acted within weeks. Overall, 44% of renters say they have welcomed or plan to welcome a pet in 2026, a figure that translates to approximately 4 million households across England.
Younger tenants are driving the increase. Nearly one in five 25 to 34-year-olds (18%) had already brought a new pet into their rented home within weeks of the change coming into force, and more than a third (37%) plan to follow this year. Appetite falls sharply with age: 64% of renters aged 55 and over say they have no plans to get a pet.
For landlords, the data on renter behaviour may offer some reassurance. The research finds that 93% of pet-owning renters are taking active steps to limit damage to the properties they rent. The most common precautions are deep-cleaning the property during the tenancy (52%), fitting gates to restrict pets to certain rooms (39%), and using machine-washable sofa covers and furniture protectors (38%).
The question of property protection has sharpened since the Renters' Rights Act removed the option of pet deposits, leaving landlords reliant on existing damage provisions within tenancy agreements and specialist insurance products.
"Our research shows that renters are paws-itively delighted to welcome new pets into their homes," said Alex Woolf, landlord insurance product lead at Simply Business.
"It's reassuring to see how responsibly renters are approaching this shift, but even with precautions, unexpected damage can happen. With pet deposits no longer an option under recent reforms, landlords need alternative solutions. Our specialised Pet Property Damage cover offers a sensible safety net. Backed by our UK-based team of experts and a 24/7 claims helpline, we're proud to help landlords protect their investments in this new era of renting."
Dogs are the pet of choice for 58% of new renter pet owners, comfortably ahead of cats at 43%. For the 2.3 million renters considering a dog, Simply Business enlisted James Carroll, clinical animal behaviourist in Manchester, to offer guidance on breed selection for rented properties.
"Choosing a dog breed for rented accommodation usually comes down to personal taste and a bit of homework," Carroll said.
"While researching what works best for your living space, make sure to consider the most (and least) vocal breeds, alongside their exercise requirements, grooming needs, and what environment is best for their health."
