As more households treat pets as family members, the demand for dog-friendly rentals continues to rise across cities and suburbs alike. For many renters, especially young professionals and remote workers, the ability to live with a pet—particularly a dog—is a non-negotiable requirement. Property owners and landlords who accommodate this shift are increasingly well-positioned to attract high-quality, long-term tenants.
Whether you're a tenant searching for the perfect pet-friendly property or a landlord evaluating your rental strategy, understanding the dynamics of dog-friendly rentals can open the door to new opportunities in a competitive market.
The surge in pet ownership—particularly post-pandemic—has led many renters to prioritise dog-friendly living arrangements. In the UK and globally, millennials and Gen Z renters increasingly view pets as part of the household, influencing where and how they choose to live.
With more people working from home, demand has shifted toward rentals that accommodate pets, outdoor access, and space for a balanced lifestyle. This has elevated the appeal of properties with private gardens, terraces, or nearby parks.
Dog-friendly rentals often attract stable, responsible tenants who are more likely to stay longer, reducing turnover costs for landlords. Renters with pets tend to prioritise long-term housing stability.
While definitions vary, dog-friendly rentals typically include the following features or policies:
Permission to keep dogs under a written lease agreement
Secure outdoor space (private garden, balcony, or terrace)
Proximity to parks or green space
Pet-safe flooring and minimal carpeting
Access to walking paths or pet facilities
Reasonable pet deposit or cleaning clause
Many landlords now offer pet addendums in tenancy agreements, outlining expectations and responsibilities while maintaining transparency for both parties.
By allowing pets, landlords instantly appeal to a broader audience, increasing interest and reducing vacancy time.
Pet-friendly properties can often command slightly higher rents, with tenants willing to pay a premium for the ability to live with their dogs.
Tenants with dogs are less likely to move frequently, especially if they’ve found a comfortable and secure home that meets their pet’s needs.
Landlords with pet-friendly homes often report faster lettings and fewer unoccupied periods, especially in suburban or semi-urban areas.
Add a pet policy to tenancy agreements detailing acceptable behaviour, cleaning, and potential damage coverage
Conduct thorough referencing as usual, and consider pet references from previous landlords
Request a reasonable pet deposit or cleaning fee, where allowed under tenancy law
Install durable flooring and minimise soft furnishings in furnished rentals
Maintain open communication about the tenant’s responsibilities
In the UK, landlords should note that while tenants must seek permission to keep pets, government proposals under the Renters Reform Bill aim to make pet-friendly lets the default—suggesting a long-term market shift.
Always disclose pet ownership early in the application process
Offer a pet CV or reference from a previous landlord or vet
Highlight your pet’s behaviour, training, and care routine
Be flexible and responsive—dog-friendly properties are in high demand
Prepare to pay a slightly higher deposit or agree to professional cleaning
At Fraser Bond, we recognise the importance of pet-friendly living. Whether you're a tenant seeking a dog-friendly rental in London or other major cities, or a landlord looking to adapt your property strategy, we provide expert support tailored to your goals.
Our services include:
Access to verified pet-friendly listings across prime locations
Lettings and management of dog-friendly apartments and homes
Advice on pet policies, tenancy structuring, and legal compliance
Relocation assistance for international clients and corporate tenants with pets
Dog-friendly rentals are no longer a niche offering—they are a mainstream requirement in today's rental landscape. With shifting tenant expectations and growing pet ownership, landlords and property professionals who accommodate dogs not only add value to their offering but also tap into a loyal and expanding market segment.
Fraser Bond is here to support landlords and tenants in navigating the pet-friendly rental space—ensuring that both people and pets find a place to call home.
