The number of tenants specifically searching for pet-friendly rental properties has fallen sharply since the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act. Data from Rightmove shows that searches for properties advertised as allowing pets were down 54% in May and 52% in June 2026, compared to the same months in the previous year.
The Renters' Rights Act, which came into effect on 1 May, allows tenants to reasonably request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse permission. This legislation appears to have altered tenant behaviour, with fewer renters feeling the need to filter their searches for homes already advertised as pet-friendly.
Colleen Babcock, a property expert at Rightmove, stated that the shift is likely due to tenants feeling more confident in requesting a pet in a wider range of homes. Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, noted that tenants are now less likely to raise the issue of pets upfront, instead discussing it with landlords later in the process.
Landlords are advised that pet ownership is becoming a more common consideration, regardless of when it is disclosed. They should expect conversations about pets later in the letting process and have a clear policy in place.