New data from Zero Deposit highlights that just 8% of rental properties in the UK are being advertised as pet-friendly, despite growing legislative moves to prevent landlords from unreasonably refusing tenants with pets.
The analysis, based on live rental listings, found that of the 101,908 properties currently available to rent, only 7,788 are described as pet-friendly. This remains a significant barrier for pet-owning tenants, particularly as government policies seek to make the private rented sector more accommodating.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, which is set to reform the rental sector, is expected to include measures preventing landlords from issuing blanket bans on pets, following previous government revisions to the model tenancy agreement to encourage ‘well-behaved’ pets.
However, Zero Deposit’s figures suggest landlords remain hesitant to accept tenants with pets. The North East was found to be the most pet-friendly region, with 9% of rental listings allowing pets. In London, the South West, South East, and North West, the figure stands at 8%, followed by the East of England (7%), East Midlands (6%), Yorkshire & Humber (6%), and the West Midlands (5%).
Sam Reynolds, CEO of Zero Deposit, said: “There’s a natural reticence for landlords to open their property to pets for fear of the damage they can potentially cause. Many will have experienced pet damage to their properties which has shaped this preference. But these landlords are swimming against an increasingly fervent tide.
“The UK Government is attempting to satisfy tenant demand for pet-friendly homes and when the Renters’ Rights Bill is finally introduced, landlords will find it increasingly difficult to deselect lets with animal companions.
“While public opinion is naturally in favour of improving accessibility for pet-owners, landlord concerns do hold weight. Property damage costs money to repair. This spend can be challenging to recoup and can eat into profit margins. And while the Renters’ Rights Bill disallows the blanket banning of pets, it also limits the amount of money landlords are allowed to take from their tenants for security deposits, further exposing landlords to the risk of property damage and, therefore, to loss of income.
“It is possible that the bill will give landlords the right to insist that specific insurance is taken out to protect against pet-related damage, thus providing greater security.”
