Pet-friendly rental home listings across England have seen a significant decline in early 2026, with a 39% drop reported since January. This reduction comes ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) implementation in May, which introduces new tenant rights concerning pet ownership in rented properties.

Sharp decline in pet-friendly listings

Research from Inventory Base reveals that only 5,839 homes are currently advertised as allowing pets out of a total 98,964 properties on the market. This equates to just 5.9% of listings openly marked as pet-friendly, down from 8.2% at the start of the year. The 2.3 percentage point decrease has occurred within a relatively short period, indicating a swift response from landlords.

Landlords’ reaction to upcoming legislation

Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, commented on the trend: “From May, the rules change in a meaningful way. The government’s definition of ‘reasonable refusal’ is tighter than many landlords are anticipating, and the practical effect of that is more pets in more homes – regardless of how a property is currently advertised.”

She added, “What the data suggests is that some landlords are responding by quietly reducing pet-friendly listings. In reality, that is more likely to delay the issue than avoid it.”

Understanding the Renters’ Rights Act changes

The RRA will introduce an implied clause in tenancy agreements allowing tenants to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords will no longer be able to refuse such requests without a fair reason, even if existing contracts state otherwise. This change aims to provide tenants with greater security and clarity regarding pet ownership in rented homes.

Regional variations in listing declines

The reduction in pet-friendly listings is consistent across England but varies in scale. The East of England has experienced the steepest fall, with a 50.9% decrease since January, leaving 317 homes listed as pet-friendly. The East Midlands follows with a 49.8% decline, and the South East has seen a 46.6% drop.

Other regions include Yorkshire and Humber with a 45% decrease, the South West at 43.1%, the North West down 39.1%, and the West Midlands falling by 37.9%. London and the North East have seen smaller declines of 31.9% and 31.2%, respectively.

What this means for landlords

Landlords are advised not to panic but to prepare for the new rules by maintaining robust inventory reports, conducting thorough check-ins, and carrying out regular documented inspections. These measures will provide the necessary evidence to manage any damage caused by pets and to support landlords’ positions in the event of disputes.

By adapting their management practices and understanding the tighter definition of ‘reasonable refusal’, landlords can better navigate the changes brought by the RRA while meeting tenant expectations.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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