Pet request rights under Renters Rights Act see slow uptake by landlords
Since the Renters Rights Act introduced a formal right for tenants to request pet permission in May 2026, most landlords have yet to receive such requests, despite significant tenant interest in pet-friendly rentals.
New research from lettings agency LRG reveals that nine in ten landlords have not received a formal pet request since the legislation came into force on 1 May 2026. The survey, which gathered responses from over 700 landlords and 860 tenants across England and Wales, shows that while formal requests remain rare, pet policies strongly influence tenant housing choices. More than half of tenants say pet policy affects where they choose to live, with a third considering pet-friendly accommodation essential.
Of landlords surveyed, 93% reported no pet requests, 6% had approved one, and fewer than 1% had refused or were considering a request. This low volume of formal requests may reflect a shift in tenant search behaviour, as tenants can now request pet permission on any property, reducing the need to filter exclusively for pet-friendly listings.
Survey findings on pet requests and tenant demand
LRG’s Summer 2026 Lettings Report highlights that despite the low number of formal requests, underlying tenant demand for pet-friendly accommodation remains substantial. Nearly 30% of tenants already own pets, and 19% are considering or planning to get one within the next year. Before the Act, no-pets policies had real consequences for tenants: 32% reported being affected, with some choosing not to get a pet or losing out on a property due to pet restrictions.
Rightmove data supports this, showing that while searches specifically filtering for pet-friendly properties fell by over 50% year on year in May and June 2026, “pet” remained the most searched rental keyword. The change is likely due to tenants no longer needing to filter for pre-approved pet-friendly properties, as the right to request pet permission applies to all rental homes.
Tenant attitudes vary: 34% say a pet-friendly property is essential, 24% say it is important to some degree, and 42% say it does not influence their housing choice. This division means landlords’ responses to pet requests will significantly impact a sizeable portion of the tenant market.
Landlord concerns and potential incentives for approving pets
Among landlords open to approving pets, practical assurances increase confidence. Thirty-one percent cited a professional cleaning obligation at tenancy end as a key factor, while 28% favoured tenant-funded pet damage insurance. However, 28% of landlords said nothing would change their view on allowing pets.
Research commissioned by Battersea found that 76% of landlords reported no pet-related damage at tenancy end. Where damage occurred, the average cost was £300, notably lower than the £775 average for non-pet-related tenant damage. Additionally, pet-owning tenants tend to stay longer, with 50% remaining in their previous property for over three years compared to 31% of non-pet owners. Joint research by Dogs Trust and Cats Protection also suggests 26% of tenants would stay longer if pets were permitted.
Implications for landlords and letting agents
The new pet request right established by the Renters Rights Act represents a significant change in tenancy law, shifting some control over pet policies from landlords to tenants. However, the slow uptake of formal requests indicates landlords and agents are still adapting to the new framework. For landlords, this means reviewing and potentially updating tenancy agreements and pet policies to comply with the Act.
Letting agents can play a critical role in facilitating the process by advising landlords on setting reasonable conditions for pet permissions, such as cleaning requirements or damage insurance. Clear communication with tenants about their rights and responsibilities under the new law will help manage expectations and reduce disputes.
Longer tenancy durations associated with pet-owning tenants could offer landlords more stable rental income, but only if concerns about property damage and maintenance are effectively managed. The data suggests that with appropriate safeguards, allowing pets need not increase risk substantially.
Uncertainties and ongoing challenges
Despite the legal framework, uncertainties remain about how widely and consistently pet requests will be granted. The survey shows a significant minority of landlords remain firmly opposed to allowing pets, which could lead to disputes or refusals that tenants may challenge. The practical implementation of professional cleaning obligations and pet damage insurance schemes is also still evolving.
Landlords and agents should monitor regulatory updates and case law developments related to the Renters Rights Act to ensure compliance. The impact on local licensing schemes and how they intersect with pet permissions is another area to watch, as some councils may impose additional requirements or restrictions.
Considerations for landlords going forward
- Review tenancy agreements to ensure pet request procedures align with the Renters Rights Act.
- Consider adopting clear pet policies that include professional cleaning and damage insurance options to reassure landlords.
- Engage letting agents to support the pet request process and communicate tenant rights effectively.
- Monitor tenant demand for pet-friendly properties and adjust marketing strategies accordingly.
- Keep detailed records of pet requests, approvals, refusals, and any related tenancy conditions for compliance and dispute resolution.
- Stay informed on evolving guidance and local licensing impacts related to pets in rental properties.
Supporting landlords through new pet legislation
The Landlord Association (TLA) membership offers practical resources to help landlords and letting agents adapt to the Renters Rights Act’s pet request provisions. Members can access compliance guides and document templates to update tenancy agreements and pet policies. TLA’s new property management and compliance platform, ORBIT, currently in BETA testing, supports landlords in organising property records, managing rental documents, and recording key actions such as pet request approvals and cleaning obligations.
ORBIT’s developing features include tools to help landlords and agents maintain evidence of compliance activity and monitor regulatory changes affecting pet permissions. Exploring TLA membership can provide landlords with ongoing support and information to manage the practical challenges of the new pet legislation effectively.
Landlords should review their portfolios and prepare for increased tenant engagement on pet requests as awareness grows. Early adoption of clear policies and collaboration with agents will be essential to balancing tenant demand with property protection.
Sources: Landlord Today
TLA - The Landlord Association