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When the Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May 2026, it marked one of the biggest changes to the private rental sector in years. Tenants now have greater rights to request permission to keep pets, with landlords expected to provide a reasonable justification if they refuse.

Before the legislation took effect, many expected the rental market to become more welcoming to pet owners. Instead, the opposite appears to have happened.

Research from Inventory Base found that in the months leading up to the Act, the number of rental properties advertised as pet-friendly fell by 39%, raising questions about how landlords have responded to the changing legislation.

A changing market

Using rental listings data sourced from Zoopla (correct as of 20th March 2026), we found that just 5.9% of rental properties in England were advertised as pet-friendly.

That represents a significant drop from the start of 2026, when 8.2% of available rental homes were marketed as allowing pets.

In total, the number of pet-friendly listings fell from more than 9,500 properties in January to just 5,839 by late March.

Pet-Friendly Rentals Are Still Falling. What Does That Mean Now the Renters' Rights Act Is Here?

The largest regional declines were recorded in:

  • East of England: down 50.9%
  • East Midlands: down 49.8%
  • South East: down 46.6%
  • Yorkshire and Humber: down 45%
  • South West: down 43.1%

While this data reflects the market before the legislation came into force, it highlights how landlords were responding ahead of the changes.

The legislation has changed, but the risks haven’t

Now that the Renters’ Rights Act is in place, landlords can no longer rely on blanket “no pets” policies.

Instead, they need confidence that if a tenant requests permission to keep a pet, they have the right evidence and processes in place to protect their property throughout the tenancy.

For many landlords, the concern has never been about pets themselves. It’s about the potential for damage, disputes and the cost of putting things right. Those concerns haven’t disappeared.

What has changed is the importance of documenting a property’s condition properly.

Good property records have never been more important

Detailed inventories, professional check-ins and regular property inspections give landlords and letting agents a clear record of a property’s condition throughout the tenancy.

That evidence can make all the difference if there is damage that goes beyond fair wear and tear or if a dispute arises at the end of a tenancy.

As Sián Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, explains:

”The answer is preparation, not panic. Robust inventory reports, thorough check-ins and regularly documented inspections give landlords the evidence base they need, both to manage damage when it occurs and to defend their position if a dispute follows.”

The focus has shifted from asking whether pets should be allowed to ensuring landlords have the documentation needed to manage their properties confidently.

Looking ahead

Although the rental market appeared to become more cautious before the Renters’ Rights Act came into force, landlords are now operating within a new legal framework.

Rather than trying to avoid pet requests altogether, the priority should be creating clear, evidence-backed property records that protect both landlords and tenants throughout the tenancy.

For letting agents and property professionals, this presents an opportunity to demonstrate value beyond compliance. Accurate inventories, regular inspections and comprehensive reporting don’t just reduce risk. They help build trust, minimise disputes and support better outcomes for everyone involved.

Sources

Rental listing analysis is based on data sourced from Zoopla, correct as of 20 March 2026.

If you require further information about the data or sources referenced in this article, please contact marketing@inventorybase.com.