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Renters' Rights Act means one in four Brits in rented homes now more likely to get pets

The Renters' Right Act comes into effect on May 1, and will make it easier for private tenants to keep pets and for those without pets to ask permission to have a furry friend move in

[A person sits on a sofa with a dog lying next to them looking up at them ]

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The new bill will make it easier for pet owners and also renters who want to welcome a pet into their lives(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

Britain really is a nation of animal lovers as one in four renters are now more likely to get a pet following the Renters' Rights Act.

A quarter of renters are looking forward to welcoming a furry or feathered friend into their homes thanks to the renting law change. This means more than four million more rented homes in England could now be open to pets thanks to the landmark legislation.

The law, which comes into effect on May 1 2026, makes it easier for private tenants to keep pets and those without pets to request permission, which landlords can't unreasonably refuse.

[A man and woman sit on a front step as a ginger cat walks up to greet them]

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A quarter of renters are looking forward to welcoming a pet thanks to the law change(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

This is a milestone for animal-loving renters, with research commissioned by Mars revealing that almost a third (31%) say housing rules have previously stopped them owning a pet. For those that do own a pet, the landscape has been extremely difficult to navigate.

Almost half (48%) of pet owners in rental properties had to move in order to get or keep their pet due to rental housing restrictions, with a fifth (20%) having to offer their landlord more cash to keep their pet. Up until now, just 7% of rental properties were advertised as 'pet friendly', but the new law means that more than four million homes across England could now be open to pets.

Mars' State of Pet Homelessness Index estimates that 1.1 million dogs and cats are homeless in the UK, representing 5% of the companion animal population. This new legislation creates a significant opportunity to help create new homes for those animals currently in rescue or without a home.

[A woman lies on a bed using a laptop with a phone and dog next to her]

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The new bill creates a huge opportunity to help find homes for animals in shelters(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

While many pets are in need of a loving home, it's not just our furry friends that benefit. Mars and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home have long championed how pets can enhance people's lives and believe the act will make a tangible difference to the renting experience.

A whopping 83% of all pet owners in the UK say their pets have a positive impact on wellbeing, while a third (33%) say a pet does or would add structure and purpose to their lives. Almost a third (30%) say pets encourage them to do exercise and 82% of pet-owning tenants say having a pet helps them feel more at home in their rented property.

Of those quizzed, a third (35%) of renters say they dont know anything about their new rights to request a pet under the act. To support renters and landlords as new rules are introduced for renting with pets, Mars and Battersea have released the 'Renting with Pets Guide', offering clear and practical guidance.

[A woman sits on a yoga mat with a cat in front of her]

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Almost a third of pet owners say their fluffy pals encourage them to exercise(Image: Kennedy News and Media)

From helping tenants to create a 'pet profile', to highlighting the best way to request a pet in their property' the guide aims to help both tenants and landlords navigate the new legislation. Nick Foster, General Manager North Europe, Mars Pet Nutrition, said: "Pets really do make a house a home.

"We're incredibly proud to work with our long-term partners at Battersea to help bring about this important change in the law. The government's decision to remove unnecessary barriers to pet ownership for renters recognises just how much it means to people and families across the country.

"We're so pleased that it opens the door to more people than ever being able to experience the wellbeing and happiness benefits that come from being a pet parent."

Peter Laurie, CEO of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, said: "For too long the inability to rent with pets has been a heartbreaking barrier for so many responsible owners. It's the second most common reason pets are handed over to us at Battersea.

"This change in the law is a hugely positive step forward and recognises that pets are not a 'nice to have', but an integral part of people's lives and wellbeing. We're incredibly proud to be working alongside Mars on this issue. We're hopeful the Renters' Rights Act will help more pets find, and stay in, loving homes, without families having to make impossible choices."

Find out more about the Petiquette Guide here.

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