A vet has also given a full list of the breeds you should consider
Millions of private renters in England will have a legal right to request permission to keep a pet in their home for the first time from May 1 this year, in one of the biggest shifts in renters’ rights in a generation. The change, introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act, means landlords can no longer use blanket “no pets” clauses to refuse requests outright.
More than half of UK adults own a pet, but it has long been notoriously difficult for the country’s 11 million private renters to find a home where a dog or cat is welcome. Experts at pet insurer ManyPets are urging prospective owners to think carefully about which breed is right for them before committing, particularly those choosing a dog for the first time.
Dr Kirsten Ronngren, Lead Vet at ManyPets, said: “With more renters potentially welcoming a dog into their home, it’s a positive moment, but it’s important that new pet parents go in with realistic expectations. Certain breeds can be more straightforward for first-time owners in terms of trainability or exercise needs, but I’d always caveat that with the fact that every dog is an individual. A breed that suits one household perfectly may not work for another, so it’s key to do your research and be honest about your lifestyle before choosing.”
The best breeds for first-time owners
For renters in flats or smaller homes, some breeds are generally considered more manageable than others.
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is gentle, affectionate and highly adaptable, needing gentle daily walks rather than intensive exercise. Prospective owners should be aware they are prone to certain health conditions including heart disease.
The Bichon Frise is small, cheerful and low-energy, well suited to flat living and owners who are regularly at home. They are intelligent and eager to please, though they can be prone to separation anxiety.
The Shih Tzu is a calm companion that requires minimal outdoor space and adapts well to smaller homes, though their long coat requires regular grooming and they are not suited to being left alone for long periods.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Greyhound is one of the more underrated choices for first-time owners. Despite their reputation for speed, they are calm and content with moderate exercise, earning the nickname the world’s fastest couch potato.
For owners with more space and an active lifestyle, Golden and Labrador Retrievers are consistently recommended as among the most rewarding breeds for beginners. Prospective owners should be prepared for high exercise needs and potential health costs including hip dysplasia.
Dr Ronngren added: “Whatever breed you choose, planning your finances is an important part of preparation. Researching common health conditions for the breeds you’re interested in can be helpful in considering what may be a problem down the road. I find this aids pet parents in having a plan in place including insurance, savings, etc.”
What the new law actually means
From May 1, existing tenants are also covered, meaning any clause in a current tenancy agreement that says “no pets” is now void.
Renters will need to submit a formal written request to their landlord, who then has 28 days to respond and must give a legitimate reason if they say no. Landlords can still refuse for genuine reasons, such as the property being too small, another tenant having a severe allergy, or the breed being prohibited by law, but they can no longer simply say no without explanation.
Hidden pet fees are also now banned. Landlords cannot charge a pet deposit on top of the standard five-week deposit, and cannot increase rent mid-tenancy because a tenant has a dog.
There is, however, a catch for thousands of people living in flats. Headleases, the agreements between freeholders and landlords, often contain blanket “no pets” clauses that are not covered by the new law.
A ManyPets spokesperson said: “This is a genuinely significant moment for dog parents renting in England. For years, renters have faced an impossible choice between the home they need and the dog they love. This law removes the power landlords had to just say no without reason.
“Our advice to any dog parent looking to use these new rights is to be prepared. Put together a pet CV for your dog, include details of their breed, age, training, and any vet references. The more responsible you can demonstrate yourself to be as a pet parent, the harder it is for a landlord to refuse.”
If a refusal is considered unreasonable, renters can take their case to the County Court. A Private Rented Sector Ombudsman is also due to launch by 2028 to handle disputes.
ManyPets has built a free Pet CV builder to help renters pull together everything a landlord needs to see, from breed and training details to vet references, in one place.
