Renters willing to break rules to be with their pets

Nearly a third of renters claim they would risk moving in a pet or partner without permission from their landlord, according to a new survey.

Data from Homeprotect reveals a surge in demand for pet-friendly rentals, with over 1,300 people searching for them each month in the UK.

The news comes after a previous report by Zero Deposit revealed just 8% of private rented sector homes are pet-friendly.

Under the Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords cannot unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to keep pets in their homes, but they will be allowed to require tenants to have insurance coverage for any potential pet-related damage.

Moving in a pet or partner without permission

According to the Homeprotect survey, regional data showed that almost half of Greater London residents (46%) would move a partner or pet into their rental home without informing their landlord.

The research also revealed this was higher for men (33%) than women (29%) and younger people, with over half of respondents from Generation Z saying they would do it without informing their landlord, compared with just 7% of the Silent Generation (79+).

Renters in the South West and South East are among the most likely to play by the rules, with 66%  and 63% respectively saying they wouldn’t move a partner or pet into their rental without permission.

However, in both regions, those willing to take the risk were more likely to do so for a pet than a partner, which Homeprotect says suggests renters are more inclined to bend the rules for pets than for their significant others.

Best to play by the rules

Northern Ireland renters sat in the middle ground overall but showed the strongest preference for pets over partners.

Among those willing to bend the rules, nearly one in five said they would risk secretly moving in a pet, but not a partner, the largest pet-first disparity across all UK regions.

However, David Joyson, Homeprotect’s Chief Customer Officer, warns tenants not to take the risk of letting in pets or partners without permission.

He said: “Whether for love or otherwise, it’s always best to play by the rules of your tenancy agreement and seek your landlord’s permission before moving a partner or pet in. If they say yes, let your insurer know if a partner or pet is moving in with you.

“And if your landlord doesn’t allow it in your terms, it’s best to find another property that better suits your needs.”

He adds tenants may be held responsible for any damage.

He said: “Pets can introduce new risks, such as damage to furniture or flooring, so tenants may need to update their policy or consider additional cover to ensure they’re protected. If damage occurs and the pet hasn’t been declared, or if appropriate cover isn’t in place, tenants could find themselves footing the bill.”