š¾ Pets in Rentals ā What You Need to Know Before You Say Yes to a Pet
- Clemy
- Jul 2
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 4

Thinking about getting a pet while renting? Whether youāre dreaming of a dog to walk on crisp mornings or a cat curled up on your lap in the evenings, thereās a bit more to it than picking up a pet bed and bowl.
If you're in rented accommodation, itās important to understand your responsibilities ā and get things right from the start. Hereās what you need to know before bringing a pet home.
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1. šĀ Get Permission First
Before picking out a name or browsing adoption websites, check your tenancy agreement. Most agreements require written permissionĀ from your landlord or letting agent before you're allowed to keep a pet. Itās not just a matter of good manners ā itās usually a legal conditionĀ of your tenancy.
And if youāre renting a flat, there may be additional rules in the buildingās lease, even if your landlord says yes.
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2. š¤°Ā Health Risks ā Especially During Pregnancy
If youāre expecting a baby and considering getting a pet, itās important to think about potential health risks. Cats, for example, can carry a parasite called toxoplasmosis, which can be dangerous to unborn babies.
If youāre pregnant and planning to get a cat, speak to your GP first, and follow strict hygiene guidance, especially when handling litter trays.
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3. Toilet Training is a Must
All pets need proper toilet routines ā and youāll need to manage them carefully indoors to avoid damage and smells.
Dogs usually need access to a secure garden or regular walks throughout the day. Donāt forget your poo bags!
š¶Ā Buy dog poo bags on Amazon
š¾Ā Get a sturdy dog lead
Cats will need a clean, indoor litter tray. This should be placed well away from food and changed daily.
š±Ā Browse litter trays here
Poor toilet habits can lead to stained carpets and odours ā which may affect your depositĀ when you move out.
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4. š§°Ā Understand the Risk of Damage
Even the friendliest pets can cause wear and tearĀ ā from chewed skirting boards to scratched doors or fur on furniture.
Thatās why many landlords include a pet clauseĀ in your tenancy agreement, and some may charge slightly more rentĀ or request an extra depositĀ to cover potential damage.
Want to help your cat keep their claws off the furniture?š¾ Try a cat scratching post
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5. š”Ā Responsibility & Respect
Having a pet is a long-term commitmentĀ ā not just a cute companion.
Youāll need to:
Keep the property clean and hygienic
Make sure your pet doesnāt cause noise or nuisanceĀ to neighbours
Check your contents insuranceĀ covers pet-related damage
Plan aheadĀ in case your next rental doesnāt allow pets
And donāt forget, youāll also need suitable equipment for travel, like a cat carrier.š Shop cat carriers on Amazon
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6. ā¤ļøĀ Is It Worth It?
Absolutely ā if youāre ready.
Pets bring warmth, companionship, and so much love. But they also come with extra duties, ongoing costs, and a few restrictions when youāre renting.
So before you say yes to that furry friend:
āļø Talk to your landlord
āļø Get written permission
āļø Be realistic about time, cost, and care
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š„Ā Watch the Full Video
"Pets in Rentals ā What You Need to Know" https://youtube.com/shorts/dZRfCFEPBL0?feature=share
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