Rover launches its Rent-Ready Pet Guide to help renters win over landlords as new law looms
- More than a third (34%) of renters have been denied a property because of their pet or forced to pay a “pet surcharge,” averaging £288
- Rover’s canine expert and leading law firm Birketts share guidance to help renters navigate pet ownership rights ahead of the Renters’ Rights Reform Bill.
- 42% of Brits dream of owning a pet – yet only 17% have asked their landlord, held back by fear of rejection (49%) and worries of how they will be perceived as a tenant (21%).
- Rover’s Rent-Ready Pet Guide helps tackle the most common reasons landlords say no – from fears of property damage to noise complaints – and gives renters practical ways to address them head-on
London, October 2025: New research from Rover.com, the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care, has revealed that over a third (34%) of renters have been denied a property because of a pet, while many have been hit with surcharges averaging £288, simply to to keep them with them.
With the Renters Rights Reform Bill set to shake up the rules on pets in rental homes this month, Rover is launching its Rent-Ready Pet Guide to help tenants make a strong case for keeping or getting a pet, featuring expert advice from canine behaviourist Adem Fehmi and legal insights from Alice Harris, Legal Director at Birketts LLP.
The need for such support is clear. Rover’s research shows that while renters’ rights are set to increase, barriers remain firmly in place. Interestingly, 42% say one of their biggest dreams is to own a pet – yet only 17% of wannabe pet owners have asked their landlord for one – held back by a fear of rejection (49%) and worries of how they will be perceived as a tenant (21%). What’s more, nearly half (46%) automatically assume it would be a “no”, but one in five (20%) are still unaware that under the new law they will be able to challenge a landlord’s refusal.
Faced with these obstacles, many Brits resort to extreme measures to keep animals close to home. Shockingly, 41% have smuggled in their four-legged roommate, while many have sacrificed living in their dream flat because the landlord wouldn’t allow pets, with one in 10 (11%) even moving back in with more lenient landlords – aka mum and dad.
Yet despite these barriers, renters are united in believing that having a pet at home is overwhelmingly pawsitive. In fact, a whopping 84% say that having a pet does, or would, improve their mental health and quality of life. More than a third (36%) even say they’d rather have a pet than a child, while 63% believe pets should be treated the same as children when it comes to housing rules.
Rover’s guide includes information on renting with pets and is packed with practical advice on tackling the most common reasons landlords say no – from fears of property damage to noise complaints.
Rover’s Canine Behaviourist Expert, Adem Fehmi, says: “The Renters Reform Bill is a step in the right direction – giving pet owners more stability when it comes to renting and offering more people the chance to experience the joy of having a pet. And whilst we know that pets can be the perfect housemate; many landlords often worry about the impact. However, the reality is, with the right preparation, most of those concerns can be avoided. Establishing a consistent routine, training, and support from trusted sitters can all help to show that pets are well-behaved, respectful tenants.”
Alice Harris, Legal Director in the Property Disputes Team at Birketts LLP, adds “The Renters’ Rights Bill marks a major step forward for pet lovers in rented homes. Tenants will have a legal right to request pet ownership, and landlords must consider each case fairly and reasonably. This change brings hope to thousands of renters who’ve long faced barriers to keeping beloved companions in rented accommodation.”
“However, tenants must still act responsibly: they’ll need to provide details about their pet, ensure the property is suitable, and cover any damage caused. The Bill strikes a balance, protecting landlords’ interests while giving renters the freedom to build a home with their pets.
The Rent-Ready Pet Guide is available here.
Notes to editors:
A Rover survey of 2,000 dog owners conducted via Pollfish in September 2025.
About Rover:
Founded in 2011 and operating in 16 countries, Rover® is the world’s largest online marketplace for loving pet care. Rover connects dog and cat owners with loving pet care whenever they need it. Millions of services have been booked on Rover, including pet sitting, dog walking, in-home boarding, drop-in visits, and doggy day care. To learn more about Rover, please visit https://www.rover.com/uk/ or see our press room here: https://www.rover.com/uk/blog/press/
For more information, please contact: Rover@brands2life.com