Renters' Rights Bill 2026: What it means for UK pet owners
By Emma Downey
Published 3rd May 2026, 05:30 GMT
From May 1, UK renters will have more freedom to welcome pets into their homes thanks to the Renters’ Rights Act. With landlords required to consider pet requests fairly, demand for “flat-friendly” animals is already surging.
This means landlords will be required to consider pet requests fairly, and demand for “flat-friendly” animals is already surging.
Kara Gammell, Pet Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket said: “The Renters’ Rights Act is planned to reform the private rented sector to support aspiring homeowners, protect renters, and give flexibility to those who want it.
“This includes new rules around pet ownership, meaning landlords can’t reject a pet just because they don’t like animals, have had issues with pets in the past, or believe a pet might affect future rentals.
“With fewer than 10 per cent of rental properties reported as pet-friendly in the UK, these changes could make it much easier for renters with pets to find a suitable home.”