As the Renters’ Rights Bill nears Royal Assent, landlords face growing pressure to accept pets. With a UK dog population of 13 million and fewer than 1 in 10 rental homes allowing pets, demand is at an all-time high. Pet-related deposit claims rose 140% between 2023 and 2024, yet the average claim is just £300 – far lower than the £775 typically caused by non-pet owners.

Chris Maxted, director of Dog-G8, argues that landlords who embrace pet-friendly policies can benefit from longer, more stable tenancies – averaging three years compared to just 31% of non-pet tenants.

Three steps for landlords:

• Prevention first: Simple measures like containment barriers can cut the risk of damage and disputes.

• Tenant responsibility: Screening should consider how tenants manage their pets, not just whether they own one.

• Clear agreements: A robust pet clause setting out expectations builds trust and reduces risk.

With demand rising, proactive landlords could turn pet-friendly renting into a competitive advantage.