Pet Friendly Properties
Having to give up a pet because of housing issues is a unique type of heartbreak. It’s a heartbreak we witness at Battersea first-hand, and one that could so easily be avoided. The percentage of UK households occupied by private renters has almost doubled in the last two decades* (Statistica) but in 2021, property website Zoopla reported that only 7% of rental properties listed on their site were described as being pet-friendly.
The last few years have demonstrated so clearly the many benefits of being able to own a pet, not only for our mental health and wellbeing but also our feelings of connection to other people, our local community, and the outside world.
So, with more people than ever renting properties it’s time to take a stand and show that tenants deserve the chance to experience the joys of pet ownership. With our Pet Friendly Properties campaign we want to achieve long-lasting, societal change, because we believe that everyone should have the choice to experience the joy of pet ownership, no matter where they live.
How you can help
We’re asking tenants, landlords and Battersea supporters to help us take our campaign for more pet-friendly rental properties directly to the people who can make change happen. With more people than ever renting properties for longer periods of time, and mounting evidence of the many physical and mental health benefits of owning a dog or cat, as well as the positive impact on wellbeing and feelings of loneliness, it’s vital that we work together to find ways to make responsible pet ownership possible in more rented accommodation.
By pledging your support, you can join us to show exactly how much this matters, everywhere.
Once you’ve signed the pledge, we will keep you updated on the latest developments in the campaign for more pet-friendly properties as well as more ways to lend your voice and take action. Your support can help us make a real difference to the lives of thousands of people and their much-loved and longed-for pets.
Take action now so more people can experience the joys of pet ownership.
Real-life stories
Thousands of pet-owning renters across the UK face challenges every day. From being automatically rejected by letting agents during their search for a home, to having to spend more than they can afford every month on disproportionately high rent, just because of their pet, tenants who own pets deserve better. That’s why people like Kerrie in Leicester are joining Battersea’s call for fairer housing opportunities for pets and their owners.
Kerrie & Haven
Kerrie and her family had been living in a home in Leicester when their landlord sold the property and they had to find a new place to live. It took Kerrie almost six months to find a home that was not only within distance of her son’s school, but also allowed pets.
Kerrie & Haven
Advice for tenants and landlords
Your legal rights as a tenant with a pet
What the law in England, Scotland and Wales says about pets in rental properties
Finding property to rent which allows pets
Make it easier to find a place to rent for you and your pet.
Our report
Battersea has undertaken research with tenant and landlord groups to better understand the current challenges facing those in the private rented sector who want to own a pet. Our findings include:
Rightmove reports that demand for rented properties that allow pets has increased by 120% in the last year.
In 2021, Zoopla reported that only 7% of landlords listed their properties as suitable for pets.
Only 3% of dog owners said their dog had ever damaged property.
The future of pets and renting
The government has announced plans to make it easier to rent with pets. Under the proposals, renters in England will be allowed to request pets and landlords will not be able to unreasonably deny this request. Landlords will also have the power to request that tenants take out insurance against any damage their pets might cause. In a welcome move, the Government acknowledges the role pets can play in improving their owners’ mental and physical wellbeing and that keeping a pet helps renters to feel like their house is a home.
Battersea finds it encouraging that the Government has stated its intention to work with stakeholders to find a ‘common-sense’ approach. Our Pet Friendly Properties campaign engages with tenants and landlords to find workable solutions to obstacles pet owners can encounter when renting while upholding the rights of landlords and the welfare of pets. We are looking forward to working with the Government as this policy develops and will keep supporters of our Pet Friendly Properties campaign updated as we learn more.
More advice for landlords
How to train your dog
Basic training is a key part of owning a dog and having a good pet/owner relationship. Take a look at our advice to understand the kind of things you might want to ask a prospective tenant with a dog.
Creating a cat-friendly home
Making a space cat-friendly helps cats stay calm and feel more relaxed. Small adjustments can help animals settle in a home and reduce disruption. You might want to consider some of these changes, or ask your tenant to.
How to approach a dog
Not everyone is used to being around dogs, but there are a few simple tips and things to know to help get off on the right foot. Take a look at our advice on meeting dogs for the first time.
More advice for tenants
Brain games for dogs
Exercising your dog’s brain as well as their body is a great way to get rid of excess energy and keep them occupied around the home. Take a look at these fun brain games you can create for your dog at home.
Moving house with a cat
Moving can be stressful whatever the circumstances, and with an animal involved it can get even more so. Take a look at our advice on making the process as calm and stress-free as possible for your cat.
Crate training
Think of a crate as a safe space for your dog that they can retreat to and relax in. By introducing your dog to a crate, they can have guaranteed quiet time, whatever is happening in your home. Check out our advice on crate training your dog for a step-by-step guide.
How to stop your dog barking
All dogs bark, but there’s no doubt it can be disruptive, especially in a flat or house share. Some dogs naturally bark more than others, but there are sometimes clear reasons and triggers for barking. Take a look at our advice on addressing, or even removing these triggers to help your dog feel more settled and keep the peace.
Toilet training
When it comes to owning a dog, making sure they know where it’s OK to go to the toilet is a really important thing to teach them. When dogs move homes, they sometimes need a refresher too. Take a look at our tips for toilet training your pet.
Additional support
While the campaign for changes to the law around pets and tenancy agreements continues, there are lots of other resources, and more help is available: