Rental searches for pet friendly properties drop after law change
Rightmove searches for properties allowing pets plummeted by over 50% following new regulations granting renters more rights, as agents warn of misunderstandings.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Pet-friendly rental searches dropped by over 50% in May and June.
- New rules prevent landlords in England from unreasonably refusing pets.
- Agents report some renters wrongly believe pet permission is guaranteed.
- Concerns over property damage and space limits remain key obstacles.
Online searches for rental properties that welcome pets on Rightmove have plummeted dramatically following legislative changes designed to grant renters greater rights. According to figures shared with the BBC, searches for properties allowing pets dropped by 54% in May and 52% in June compared to the same months a year earlier, with declines accelerating throughout the year as the new rules approached implementation.
Under the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act in May, landlords in England are no longer permitted to unreasonably refuse pet requests in their properties. However, letting agents report that some tenants mistakenly believe that permission to keep a pet is completely guaranteed, while landlords point out that certain homes remain entirely unsuitable for multiple pets or large dogs.
Megan Eighteen, former president of lettings agents trade body ARLA Propertymark, stated that landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse them, while still retaining the right to decline if there is a valid reason. She noted that there is significant potential for misunderstanding among tenants regarding pet-friendly homes. Meanwhile, Marc von Grundherr, director of agency Benham and Reeves, revealed that some tenants only disclosed having a pet after signing their tenancy agreements, whereas others were discovered during routine property inspections.
<
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
"Landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse them, but they can still decline where there is a valid reason"
Even under the updated rules, landlords are still legally entitled to refuse a pet if another tenant suffers from allergies, the property is too small for a large animal or multiple pets, the pet is illegal, or if the landlord is a leaseholder whose freeholder strictly bans pets. Chris Norris, chief policy officer at the National Residential Landlords Association, explained that landlords continue to face legitimate concerns, including having no power to compel tenants to take out insurance or any legal right to request an additional deposit to cover potential pet damage.
Legislative shifts in the rental market often trigger a complex period of adjustment for both property owners and tenants. While renters seek necessary companionship and flexibility, landlords navigate valid financial risks associated with potential property wear and tear. Clear communication, transparency, and structured agreements remain essential tools to bridge the gap between both parties' expectations.
Russell Hunt, founder of Pets Lets, suggested that tenants should utilize pet CVs and urged landlords to evaluate each request based on specific circumstances, such as older dogs being calmer, rather than outright dismissing tenants with large or multiple pets. Lesley Horton, the UK's chief property ombudsman, emphasized that landlords should not levy extra pet surcharges outside permitted fees, though deductions can still be made from the tenancy deposit at the end of the tenancy for proven pet-related damage.
Source: BBC Business
Found something wrong in this article? Report an issue with this article
Comments
Leave a Comment