Rental searches for pet friendly properties drop after law change
Searches for pet-friendly rental properties have dropped significantly following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act in England. While the law prevents landlords from unreasonably refusing pets, some tenants are confused about their rights and landlords remain cautious.
Why it matters
This shift reflects the changing dynamics of the rental market and the practical implementation of new tenant protection legislation.
Image source, Getty Images By Kevin Peachey Cost of living correspondent Published 6 minutes ago Rightmove searches for rental properties that allow pets have plummeted since law changes gave renters more rights.
Following the introduction of the new rules, pet searches dropped by more than 50% in May and June compared with a year earlier.
Landlords in England cannot unreasonably refuse pets in their properties under changes made in May in the Renters' Rights Act.
But agents say some renters wrongly believe permission to have a pet is guaranteed, and landlords say some homes remain unsuitable for multiple pets or large dogs.
"Landlords must consider requests fairly and cannot unreasonably refuse them, but they can still decline where there is a valid reason," said Megan Eighteen, immediate past president of lettings agents trade body ARLA Propertymark.
She said there was plenty of "potential for misunderstanding", among tenants about pet-friendly properties.
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