Rightmove searches for rental properties that allow pets have dropped by more than 50% since a law change gave tenants more rights, but agents warn many renters are mistakenly believing permission to have a pet is now guaranteed.
Under the Renters' Rights Act, introduced in May, landlords in England cannot unreasonably refuse pets. However, Megan Eighteen, immediate past president of lettings agents trade body ARLA Propertymark, said there was plenty of “potential for misunderstanding” among tenants about what the rules actually mean.
“Rightmove pet-friendly rental searches dropped over 50% after law change, but agents say tenants misunderstand the rules.”
“Landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse them, but they can still decline where there is a valid reason,” she said.
Rightmove data shared with the BBC shows pet-friendly property searches fell by 54% in May and 52% in June compared with the same months a year earlier, with the decline accelerating as the law change approached and was introduced. While pets remain the most common searched-for term overall, the lead over gardens, garages and furnishings is shrinking.
Marc von Grundherr, director of agency Benham and Reeves, said some tenants have only disclosed a pet after signing a tenancy agreement, while others have been discovered during property inspections. “The reality is that tenants now understand the balance of power has shifted. Landlords can no longer rely on a blanket 'no pets' policy to deter applications and should instead expect conversations around pet ownership to arise much later in the letting process,” he said.
Landlords may still be able to refuse a pet in specific circumstances, such as if another tenant has an allergy, the property is too small for a large pet or several pets, the pet is illegal, or the landlord is a leaseholder whose freeholder does not allow pets.
Before the rules changed, Eve Williamson, 41, a former hairdresser from London, had to give up her American Bulldog, Khan, or face eviction — despite having previously had a dog in the property. She described the experience as awful, especially as Khan had brought comfort while she gave full-time care to her mum. “Life can get tough, but pets bring unconditional love,” she said. “They're family.” Khan has since been happily re-homed, and Williamson said she was delighted with the law change.
Katie Smith, 29, from Swindon, has two cats — Pumpkin and Pippin — in her rental home. The law change has given tenants like her more confidence, but the data suggests many are still navigating the new rules with caution.