Advantages of letting to pets
The benefits of being a pet-friendly landlord
For landlords, choosing to allow pets can unlock a range of practical and financial benefits. While concerns about potential damage are common, evidence shows that pet-friendly rentals are not only manageable, they’re often more profitable and appealing to tenants too.
Higher demand: Pets are part of the family for millions of renters. With pet ownership in the UK at record levels, but fewer than 10% of rental properties advertised as pet-friendly, there’s a clear gap in the market. Landlords who are open to pets can attract more applicants, let their properties more quickly, and spend less time with their home sitting empty
Longer tenancies: It’s not easy for pet owners to find a rental that suits their needs, so when they do, they tend to stay longer. In fact, research by Battersea found that 50% of tenants with pets stayed in their previous rental for over three years, compared to just 31% of those without pets. That kind of stability is a big plus for landlords, helping to reduce tenant turnover, and lower the costs of advertising and preparing a property between lets
Tenants may pay more: As pet-friendly rentals are in short supply, many tenants are willing to pay a little extra to secure one. While landlords can’t charge pet-specific fees, they can reflect the added appeal in the overall rent, as long as it stays fair and competitive with similar properties in the area
Greater transparency: By allowing pets openly, landlords can reduce the likelihood of tenants sneaking them in without permission. Prohibiting pets entirely doesn’t necessarily prevent tenants from keeping them, it simply encourages secrecy. By allowing pets from the start, landlords can set clear expectations, have open conversations, and add safeguards to the tenancy agreement, such as cleaning terms or pet references
Allowing pets is not just an act of goodwill, it can be a smart decision. It increases demand, reduces turnover, opens opportunities for higher rent, and creates an honest relationship with tenants. With clear policies and the right safeguards in place, landlords can confidently welcome pets while protecting their investment.
Higher tenant demand
Longer tenancies and reduced turnover
Ability to reflect demand in rent
Greater transparency and control
