Less than one in ten rental properties currently on the market are pet-friendly, new research has revealed.

The findings by Zero Deposit suggested that vast numbers of tenants are struggling to find a home that will accept both them and their pets.

It comes despite forthcoming regulatory changes to allow pets in rental properties.

The Government has already revised its model tenancy agreement to encourage pets being accepted.

Meanwhile, the Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to insist that landlords cannot ‘unreasonably’ refuse tenant pets into the property.

However, Zero Deposits research found only 8% of available properties are being marketed as pet-friendly.

The data claimed there are 101,908 properties currently on the market, and yet only 7,788 are described as pet-friendly.

Regional variations

On a regional level, tenants with pets in the North East have the best chance of securing a home with 9% of listings currently marketed as pet-friendly.

In London, the South West, South East, and North West pet-friendly properties account for 8% of the market.

It is followed by the East of England at 7%, East Midlands at 6%, Yorkshire & Humber at 6%, and West Midlands at 5%.

Sam Reynolds, of Zero Deposit, said: “There’s a natural reticence for landlords to open their property to pets for fear of the damage they can potentially cause.

“Many will have experienced pet damage to their properties, which has shaped this preference. But these landlords are swimming against an increasingly fervent tide.

“The Government is attempting to satisfy tenant demand for pet-friendly homes and when the Renters’ Rights Bill is finally introduced, landlords will find it increasingly difficult to deselect lets with animal companions.

“While public opinion is naturally in favour of improving accessibility for pet-owners, landlord concerns do hold weight. Property damage costs money to repair. This spend can be challenging to recoup and can eat into profit margins.

“And while the Renters’ Rights Bill disallows the blanket banning of pets, it also limits the amount of money landlords are allowed to take from their tenants for security deposits, further exposing landlords to the risk of property damage and, therefore, to loss of income.

“It is possible that the Bill will give landlords the right to insist that specific insurance is taken out to protect against pet-related damage, thus providing greater security.”

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