Pets and renting: the most pet-friendly cities for renters
Pets and renting remain a persistent challenge—but the landscape is shifting. More landlords than many assume are open to welcoming pets into their rental properties. Below, we explore the most pet-friendly cities across the UK for renters, along with key insights and practical advice.
Pet ownership in the UK: a quick breakdown
Understanding the scale of pet ownership helps contextualise demand for pet-friendly rentals:
- 28% of UK adults own a dog—roughly 10.6 million pet dogs nationwide.
- 24% of UK adults own a cat—approximately 10.8 million pet cats.
Source: Pet Data & Statistics Association (PDSA)
The reality of renting with pets
Each year, around 200 dogs enter rescue or rehoming centres directly due to landlord-imposed pet restrictions. “No-pet clauses” rank as the second most common reason people surrender their pets.
Key facts about the UK rental market:
- There are over 4.5 million rental properties in the UK.
- Nearly half of all UK households own at least one pet.
- Only 7% of landlords explicitly advertise their property as pet-friendly.
Many buy-to-let properties are managed by professional agencies that apply standardised tenant criteria—including blanket no-pet policies—to streamline operations. As Luther Yeates, Mortgage Broker and Head of Mortgages at UK Expat Mortgages, explains: “These management companies often operate with rigid rules, making flexibility rare—even when tenants are responsible and well-prepared.”
Source: The Kennel Club
The most pet-friendly city to rent in the UK
Belfast leads the UK as the most pet-friendly city for renters—just 3% of landlords there decline pets. This makes it an ideal location for families or individuals seeking stable, long-term accommodation with their furry companions.
The least pet-friendly city for renters in the UK
At the other end of the spectrum, Carlisle presents the greatest challenge: 68% of landlords refuse pets outright. Renters with animals face significantly fewer options—and often longer search times—in this region.
Pet-friendliness across popular UK cities
Below are some of the most sought-after cities for pet-friendly house sitting—with the percentage of landlords who do not accept pets:
- Oxford – 6%
- Manchester – 9%
- Brighton – 10%
- Bristol – 24%
- Bath – 26%
- London – 29%
- Cambridge – 38%
- Edinburgh – 42%
- Glasgow – 42%
Top 10 most pet-friendly places to rent in the UK
The easiest cities for renters with pets include Belfast, Reading, Kingston-upon-Thames, and Woking—all with exceptionally low refusal rates. These locations combine strong rental availability, community support, and landlord openness to responsible pet owners.
Top 10 least pet-friendly places to rent in the UK
Alongside Carlisle, Newport and Gloucester rank among the toughest cities for pet owners seeking rental homes. In these areas, over 60% of landlords decline pets—a stark contrast to the national average and a clear signal of limited housing options.
What can renters with pets do?
We spoke with Luther Yeates for actionable advice grounded in real-world experience:
“It’s currently a seller’s market—landlords have the upper hand and can be selective. Until that balance shifts, things won’t improve dramatically for pet-owning renters. That said, private landlords (those not using large management agencies) tend to be more flexible. They often assess applicants holistically—considering character, references, and personal rapport—rather than relying solely on automated checklists. Meeting in person, providing vet records, and offering a pet deposit can make all the difference.”
— Luther Yeates, Mortgage Broker and Head of Mortgages at UK Expat Mortgages
Source: Lets 4 Pets, April 2025, courtesy of Hillary’s
