Practical support for members
The rules on pet requests, deposits, fees and rent increases vary across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. We explain the position in each nation, as well as insurance considerations and the action required if a pet is abandoned at a property.
Renting with pets gives members a practical resource to support fair decisions, protect landlords’ interests and help tenants create a stable home with their animals.
The evidence on pet damage
A 2024 study from the University of Huddersfield surveyed more than 2,100 private landlords and over 1,000 private renters. It found that 76% of landlords who rented to pet owners had not experienced pet-related damage. Almost three quarters had not seen increased wear and tear, while 84% had not received noise or other complaints from neighbours.
Where damage did occur, landlords reported an average cost of £300 per tenancy. This compared with average non-pet-related damage of £775 reported by landlords who did not rent to pet owners. The study found that pet damage was generally minor or moderate and that landlords could usually recover some or all of the cost through the deposit or direct payment by the tenant.
There can also be a financial benefit to accepting responsible pet owners. The research found that renters with pets stayed in their homes for around five months longer on average than renters without pets. Longer tenancies can reduce turnover, void periods, and the costs of finding new tenants.
Helping landlords make informed decisions
Allowing pets should not mean overlooking legitimate concerns about a property’s suitability or the terms of a lease. Letting agents can help landlords consider the specific animal and home, rather than applying a blanket approach.
We recommend checking whether the property has enough appropriate space, whether a lease or headlease limits pets, and whether there are any arrangements to consider in a house in multiple occupation. It is also important to understand the protections that apply to assistance animals.
Tenants can provide useful reassurance through a pet CV. This may include the animal’s age, breed, behaviour, training and vaccinations, as well as references from a previous landlord or veterinary practitioner. A meeting between the landlord, tenant and pet can provide a practical opportunity to discuss care arrangements and expectations.
Renting with pets
If a rented property prohibits pets but you believe the property would be suitable, use our tips to help strengthen your case to change the landlord’s stance on pets.
Set clear expectations from the outset
Openness is essential. When we surveyed our letting agent members in 2021, 84% said they had experienced tenants keeping pets without the landlord’s consent. Advertising that suitable pets will be considered can encourage tenants to discuss their circumstances before they move in.
Once a pet is agreed, clear written terms help everyone understand their responsibilities. These can cover permission for additional or visiting pets, avoiding nuisance to neighbours and the tenant’s responsibility for any damage.
A detailed inventory, regular inspections, and a check-out report also help agents identify concerns early and deal with any deposit deductions fairly. Landlords can require a property to be returned to the same standard of cleanliness and condition as at the start of the tenancy, allowing for reasonable wear and tear, but cannot require a tenant to pay for professional cleaning or flea treatment.
Find ARLA Inventories Accredited members
ARLA Inventories Accredited members demonstrate to landlords, letting agents and tenants that they meet the highest standards for best practice in the industry.