The number of pet-friendly rental homes in England has dropped by -39% since the start of the year, ahead of new rules allowing pets as part of the Renters’ Rights Act.

New research from Inventory Base reveals that out of a total of 98,964 available rental properties in England, just 5.9% are advertised as being pet friendly. The number of pet-friendly rentals on the market has seen the most dramatic fall in the East of England where a total of 317 marks a drop of -50% since the start of the year.

The figures show a big change in recent months, as the firm’s analysis of rental listings data at the beginning of the year found 8% of properties were advertised as being pet-friendly, up 0.6% compared to January 2025.

The Renters’ Rights Act introduces an implied term into tenancy agreements, meaning that tenants will have the right to request a pet and landlords will not be able to refuse without a fair reason, even where existing contracts state that pets are not allowed.

Definition

Inventory Base operations director, Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, says the government’s definition of reasonable refusal is tighter than many landlords are anticipating, and the practical effect of that is more pets in more homes - regardless of how a property is currently advertised.

“What the data suggests is that some landlords are responding by quietly reducing pet-friendly listings,” says Hemming-Metcalfe. “In reality, that is more likely to delay the issue than avoid it.”

She advises that the answer is robust inventory reports, thorough check-ins and regularly documented inspections to give landlords the evidence base they need - both to manage damage when it occurs and to defend their position if a dispute follows. “Landlords who have that infrastructure in place will be in a far stronger position come May.”

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