4 Things to Look for When Renting with a Pet in London
At a Glance
Renting with pets in London requires focusing on verified pet-friendly properties, understanding current and upcoming pet-rental laws, reviewing landlord policies on behaviour and shared spaces, and preparing documents such as vaccination records and references. Dolphin Square offers pet-friendly apartments that provide a comfortable living space for both you and your companion, with convenient amenities to make daily life more simple.
Renting with Pets in London
Looking for a rental apartment that welcomes both you and your pet can be difficult, but not impossible. As a pet owner, you want your home to be a space where your pet can be free and have a comfortable everyday life.
That’s why it’s important to understand what goes into renting with pets in London. When you’re looking for a pet-supportive space, your apartment hunting process needs to include both your requirements as well as your pet’s.
This in turn will bring up questions that can shape what you look for in an apartment rental. For instance, you might explore how pet renting laws affect everyday living and what that means for the environment you want around you. Or what features and amenities to look for that support both of your routines.
In this blog, we’ll explain the top 4 factors to check off your list before renting with a pet.
1. Locate Pet-Friendly Properties
Finding the right apartment rental starts with shortlisting the apartment buildings that clearly welcome pets. This helps you narrow your search and avoid properties that feel restrictive later on.
As you explore your options, pay attention to how each property describes its approach to renting with pets. Apartments that mention green spaces nearby and supportive management often reflect a more positive experience compared to others.
It also helps to check the surrounding area to ensure that you’ll have multiple open spaces and pet-friendly areas. For example, pet-friendly cafés and pubs around your apartment mean both you and your pet have someplace to relax or spend time together.
If you’re looking for a setting where the community feels safe and welcoming for pets, the pet-friendly apartments at Dolphin Square can give you a strong starting point.
2. Understand the Rules of Renting with Pets
It helps to stay informed about how pet renting law is evolving in the UK. From May 2026, landlords will no longer be able to impose blanket bans on pets. They will need to review each request on a case-by-case basis and are also required to provide their decision in writing within a set timeline.
For now, the rules still depend on your tenancy agreement. Some agreements mention clear pet guidelines, while others leave the final choice to the landlord. That’s why reading your contract carefully is important before you commit to a rental apartment.
If you want to request permission, let your landlord know about some basic details like your pet type/size/breed and ask for a written confirmation. Read this blog to gain a clearer view of how these rules shape everyday renting with a pet. It also helps you understand how guidance around the Renters’ Rights Act connects to your own experience and what to check before renting with a pet.
3. Understand Landlord Policies for Pets
Even after obtaining permission, landlords usually have specific policies for pets to make day-to-day living smoother for the community. These rules help protect the property and ensure everyone in the building enjoys their space comfortably.
Some policies clearly state where you can spend time with your pets, like shared areas or gardens. Others may set limits based on the size or breed of your pet to maintain safety within the community.
Understanding how the landlord manages these responsibilities lets you prepare and avoid unexpected issues during your stay.
4. Keep All Pet-Related Documents Ready
Having all the necessary and important documents on hand helps make renting with pets in London easier. Landlords may ask for vaccination records or microchip details, so keeping them handy shows that you’re responsible. You can check your pet’s microchip details here.
It’s also useful to have previous rental references about your pet’s behaviour to reassure your new landlord regarding your companion.
Organising these documents beforehand reduces stress when apartment hunting. You won’t need to scramble for information at the last minute, and it shows that you take your pet’s care seriously.
How Dolphin Square Welcomes Pet Parents
Finding the right apartment for you and your pet can be a big difference maker when it comes to daily living. A place that balances convenience and a welcoming environment will help you settle in quickly and enjoy London with total peace of mind.
Dolphin Square offers options that match these needs and make moving in simple and stress-free for you and your pet.
Our high-quality, luxurious accommodations in Central London’s Pimlico neighbourhood are designed with excellence in mind. From studio apartments to 3-bedroom flats, we have a wide range of rental options to choose from.
Our award-winning amenities include the DSQ gym, spa, and conference rooms to ensure that you have a comfortable living experience in Pimlico.
Your luxurious, comfortable and pet-friendly apartment awaits. Get in touch with Dolphin Square today.
