Pet-friendly searches drop as Renters’ Rights Act changes tenant behaviour

The number of tenants searching for pet-friendly properties has dropped following the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Act, according to new data.

Findings from Rightmove reveal that searches by prospective tenants for rental properties specifically advertised as allowing pets were down 54% in May compared with the same month last year, and 52% in June 2026.

Under the Renters’ Rights Act, tenants have the right to reasonably request a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse permission.

Change in renter behaviour

According to the data, searches for pet-friendly properties had already been declining during 2026. However, the sharper falls recorded in May and June came after the Renters’ Rights Act came into effect on 1 May.

Colleen Babcock, Rightmove’s property expert, explains that fewer tenants now feel the need to filter their searches for homes already advertised as allowing pets.

She said: “This big trend shift is less about a drop in demand for pets, and more about what appears to be a change in renter behaviour due to the Renters’ Rights Act.

“When tenants feel more confident that they can request a pet in a wider range of homes, they’re less reliant on filtering specifically for ‘pet-friendly’ listings at the early stages of searching for a home.

“The Renters’ Rights Act only came into effect at the beginning of May, so we’ll be tracking any further behaviour changes as a result very closely.”

Far fewer tenants raise the issue of pets

Marc von Grundherr, director of Benham and Reeves, told Rightmove that tenant behaviour has shifted, with fewer renters seeking pet-friendly properties upfront and more discussing pets with landlords later.

He explains: “Previously, applicants with pets would actively seek out pet-friendly properties from the outset. Today, we’re seeing far fewer tenants raise the issue during their property search, suggesting they are increasingly confident that pet ownership is a discussion to be had with the landlord later in the process, rather than a factor that determines where they apply.

“In fact, we’ve seen recent cases where tenants only disclosed a pet after signing their tenancy agreement, while others have only come to light during routine property inspections. This demonstrates just how significantly attitudes have changed following the legislation. The reality is that tenants now understand the balance of power has shifted.”

He added: “As a result, landlords can no longer rely on a blanket ‘no pets’ policy to deter applications and should instead expect conversations around pet ownership to arise much later in the letting process.

“For landlords, the key takeaway is that pet ownership is becoming an increasingly common consideration regardless of whether it is disclosed at application stage, making it more important than ever to have a clear and practical policy in place from the outset.”