Data from Rightmove reveals a significant drop in users searching for pet-friendly rental homes following recent legislative updates. In May and June, these specific searches plummeted by more than 50% compared to the same period last year. The Renters’ Rights Act, which took effect in May, stipulates that landlords in England cannot deny pet requests without a valid reason.
While this change provides more security, property experts note a growing misunderstanding. Some tenants incorrectly assume that keeping a pet is now an automatic right, while some landlords remain concerned about properties that lack the space for large animals or multiple pets. Megan Eighteen from ARLA Propertymark emphasized that although landlords must evaluate requests fairly, they are still permitted to decline them if a reasonable justification exists.
Industry professionals observe that the dynamic between tenants and landlords is shifting. Marc von Grundherr, a director at Benham and Reeves, mentioned that some renters are now disclosing pet ownership only after signing contracts. Despite the legislative shift, property owners can still refuse pets if the animal is illegal, the living space is inadequate, or if other tenants suffer from allergies. Furthermore, representatives from the National Residential Landlords Association point out that landlords continue to face challenges regarding potential property damage and a lack of legal mechanisms to mandate pet insurance or extra deposits.