Why a Pet CV Could Be Your Secret Weapon in the New Era of Renting with Pets

If you’ve ever searched for a rental property with a pet, you’ll know the feeling.

You find the perfect home. Great location. Right price. Enough space. Then you spot those two dreaded words:

“No pets.”

Or worse, you apply anyway knowing there are dozens of applicants without animals and wonder if you stand any chance at all.

For years, pet owners in the rental market have faced an uphill battle. Many have had to choose between securing a home and keeping a beloved family member. But with changes introduced through the Renters’ Rights Act, the conversation around pets in rented homes is shifting. Landlords can no longer automatically reject requests to keep pets without a reasonable justification.

That’s a huge step forward.

But here’s the important thing tenants need to understand:

The law changing doesn’t automatically mean landlords will say yes.

And that’s exactly why a Pet CV could become one of the most valuable tools when applying for a rental property.

What does the Renters’ Rights Act mean for pet owners?

The Renters’ Rights Act strengthens tenants’ rights to request permission to keep a pet in private rented accommodation. Landlords must consider requests and cannot unreasonably refuse them.

Landlords generally need to respond within set timeframes, and requests should be considered individually rather than rejected through blanket bans.

However, landlords may still refuse in certain circumstances where there is a legitimate reason, such as property suitability or restrictions within superior leases.

The key takeaway?

The decision increasingly comes down to whether a landlord feels confident you are a responsible pet owner and your pet is suitable for the property.

That’s where a Pet CV helps.

A Pet CV helps turn uncertainty into reassurance

Many landlords worry about:

• Damage to the property

• Noise complaints

• Odours

• Additional wear and tear

• Whether a tenant will manage their pet responsibly

  
  

These concerns aren’t always unfounded. Research has shown worries around pet-related damage remain a major factor for landlords.

A Pet CV allows you to answer those concerns before they become objections.

Think of it as an application pack for your pet — designed to show a landlord:

“I’m responsible, my pet is cared for, and we’ll look after your property.”

Industry guidance recommends including information such as:

• Breed, age and size

• Temperament and behaviour

• Training history

• Vaccination records

• Flea and worming treatments

• Microchip details

• Vet references

• Previous landlord references where available

  
  

The stronger the evidence, the easier it becomes for landlords to feel comfortable saying yes.

In a competitive rental market, standing out matters

Even with stronger rights around pets, competition for rental homes remains intense.

If a landlord receives multiple applications, a well-prepared Pet CV can help differentiate you from other applicants. It demonstrates effort, transparency and responsibility.

Because ultimately, landlords aren’t only choosing a tenant.

They’re choosing who they trust with their property.

A professional Pet CV can help build that trust from the beginning.

The reality: renting with pets is still hard

The Renters’ Rights Act is positive progress, but many pet owners will still worry:

Will I be overlooked? Will landlords think my dog is too big? Will I lose out to applicants without pets? Should I even bother applying?

Those concerns are real.

The law may improve access, but preparation will still improve outcomes.

A Pet CV doesn’t guarantee approval — nothing can — but it can help present your application in the best possible light and support conversations with landlords and letting agents.

We now offer professional Pet CVs

As the rental landscape changes, we want to help tenants feel more confident when applying with pets.

That’s why we offer professional Pet CVs designed to help showcase responsible pet ownership and strengthen rental applications. With every Pet CV, you will receive a free guide on how to use it.

Because your pet isn’t “just an animal”.

They’re part of the family.

And finding a home shouldn’t mean having to leave family behind.