Pet-friendly rental properties in the UK are being advertised at premiums of up to £1,300 per month above local averages, according to analysis of Zoopla listings by pet insurance provider Waggel.
The research, which examined rental listings across major UK cities, found that two-bedroom properties carry the largest advertised additional costs for tenants seeking to keep pets. The findings come as new provisions under the Renters’ Rights Act grant private tenants the right to request permission to keep a pet.
Regional variations
Liverpool recorded the highest premium, with pet-friendly two-bedroom rentals listed at £1,323 above the city’s average for all two-bedroom properties. Leeds ranked second, with pet-friendly tenancies advertised 21.66% above the local average, whilst Birmingham placed third with premiums of £254 per month above the city average.
The data indicates significant regional variation in the additional costs landlords are seeking from tenants with pets. The pricing patterns emerge against a backdrop of wider legislative changes affecting the rental sector, with reforms reshaping the relationship between landlords and tenants.
Legislative context
Under the new regulations, tenants have the right to request to keep a pet, and landlords cannot unreasonably refuse such requests. However, renters must still seek permission, and landlords retain the ability to consider requests on a case-by-case basis.
Dr Aimee Warner, Resident Veterinarian at Waggel, said: “For many people, a pet is part of the family, so finding a rental home where they are welcome can make a huge difference. The new rules are a positive step, but renters with pets should still be ready to make a clear, reassuring case to their landlord.”
Warner added that tenants should be transparent about pet ownership from the outset, noting that attempting to conceal an animal can create difficulties for all parties involved.
Market implications
The premium pricing structure suggests landlords are factoring in potential additional wear and tear or insurance costs when accepting pets. For buy-to-let investors, the data presents considerations around market positioning and rental yield optimisation, particularly as landlords navigate evolving regulatory requirements.
The analysis highlights how legislative changes interact with market dynamics, with landlords maintaining pricing flexibility despite new tenant rights. The premiums vary substantially by location and property type, suggesting local market conditions continue to influence rental pricing strategies in the pet-friendly segment.
