A new estimate suggests four million renters in England have welcomed, or intend to welcome, a pet during 2026.
They’re taking advantage of the Renters Rights Act’s new powers for tenants wanting to keep domestic pets.
Tenants can request permission to keep a pet and landlords must now consider each request individually; permission cannot be unreasonably refused.
Simply Business research has found that 44% of tenants have already acquired or plan to acquire a pet this year.
Some 18% of renters aged between 25 and 34 acquired a pet shortly after May 1 implementation date for the Act, while a further 37% intend to do so this year.
By contrast, 64% of renters aged over 55 have no plans to get one.
Some 58% of the renting pet owners have selected a dog, compared with 43% choosing a cat.
Alex Woolf of Simply Business says: “It’s reassuring to see how responsibly renters are approaching this shift, but even with precautions, unexpected damage can happen.”
“With pet deposits no longer an option under recent reforms, landlords need alternative solutions.
Clinical Animal Behaviourist James Carroll advises tenants to consider the suitability of a dog carefully before bringing it into rented accommodation.
He suggests the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Shih Tzu, West Highland White Terrier, Norfolk Terrier and Whippet as five breeds potentially suited to rented homes.
