The Renters' Rights Act and What It Means for Pet Owners

For years, we've spoken to people who wanted nothing more than to welcome a pet into their lives but felt unable to do so because they rented their home. That's why the early signs following the introduction of the Renters' Rights Act have been so encouraging.

Since the legislation came into effect on the 1st of May, we've seen a significant increase in the number of people taking the next step towards pet ownership. At Waggel, new pet insurance policies have risen by 26% compared with the average we saw during the previous six months, while quote requests jumped by more than 20,000 in May compared with April. To us, these numbers tell a simple story: many renters have been waiting for this moment.

The Renters' Rights Act represents one of the biggest reforms to the private rental sector in decades. Designed to give tenants greater security and protection, the legislation introduces a range of measures aimed at creating a fairer balance between renters and landlords.

Among its most widely discussed provisions are the abolition of Section 21 "no-fault" evictions, stronger protections against unfair rent increases, and new standards around property quality and tenant rights. However, for many animal lovers, one of the most significant changes is its approach to pet ownership.

Under the new rules, tenants have the right to request permission to keep a pet in their rented home, while landlords must consider those requests reasonably and cannot simply rely on blanket "no pets" policies. While landlords can still refuse requests in certain circumstances, they are expected to provide a valid reason for doing so.

For responsible renters who have spent years being told that pet ownership wasn't an option, this represents a major shift.

We've always believed that whether someone owns their home shouldn't determine whether they can experience the companionship, joy and wellbeing benefits that pets bring. The response we've seen since the legislation came into force suggests many people feel the same way.

For many tenants, finding a pet-friendly rental property has traditionally been one of the biggest barriers to pet ownership. Research has consistently shown that renters often face limited housing options, longer property searches and additional costs when looking for accommodation that accepts animals.

The Renters' Rights Act doesn't guarantee every tenant the right to own any pet they choose, but it does make the process fairer and more transparent. Rather than being automatically excluded, renters can now make a formal request and expect it to be considered on its merits.

This gives many people the confidence to explore pet ownership for the first time, knowing they are less likely to face an outright rejection simply because they rent their home.

For existing pet owners, the reforms may also reduce the anxiety that often comes with moving home, where securing pet-friendly accommodation has historically been a significant challenge.

The legislation also seeks to balance the interests of landlords. While tenants are gaining greater rights to request pets, landlords are not being stripped of all control over their properties.

Property owners can still refuse requests where there is a legitimate reason to do so, such as concerns around suitability, building restrictions or leasehold agreements that prohibit animals. The reforms are intended to encourage reasonable decision-making rather than force landlords to accept every request.

Ultimately, the aim is to move the conversation away from blanket bans and towards responsible pet ownership, where both landlords and tenants can feel protected.

The increase in insurance activity has been immediate. Since the 1st of May, we've recorded a 26% rise in new pet insurance policies, while May saw more than 20,000 additional quote requests compared with the previous month.

While not every quote results in a policy, the surge in enquiries strongly suggests that thousands of prospective pet owners are actively researching their needs before bringing a new companion home.

Many of these people may have delayed their plans until they felt confident they could keep a pet without risking their tenancy.

Through our data, we've observed more dog policies than cat policies. This isn't entirely surprising. Historically, dogs have often faced greater restrictions in rented accommodation due to concerns around space, noise or property damage. With some of those barriers beginning to fall away, many renters appear to be taking the opportunity to finally get the dog they've always wanted.

At Waggel, we see every day how much pets enrich people's lives. Research has consistently shown that pets can help improve mental well-being, reduce loneliness, encourage physical activity and provide companionship during difficult periods.

For many people, a pet is far more than an animal in the home; they're a member of the family. That's why we're so pleased to see more people gaining access to pet ownership.

As our Chief Product Officer, Hannah Simpson, recently said:

"It's great to see the new legislation allowing so many people to welcome pets into their homes. Animal companionship can be incredibly rewarding and has been proven to be beneficial for people's mental and physical well-being, so denying people this lifeline because they don't own their own home was terribly unfair."

The enthusiasm we've seen over the past month suggests that countless people have been waiting patiently for this opportunity.

One of the most encouraging aspects of the increase in quote requests is that it suggests prospective owners are doing their research before bringing a pet home.

Preparing for a new pet involves much more than simply choosing a breed or visiting a rescue centre. It means understanding ongoing costs, arranging veterinary care, considering insurance and ensuring a home environment is suitable for an animal's needs.

The rise in enquiries we're seeing indicates that many renters are approaching pet ownership thoughtfully and responsibly, which is good news for pets, owners and landlords alike.

It's still early days, but the data we're seeing points to a meaningful shift in the UK's pet ownership landscape.

As more renters become aware of their rights under the Renters' Rights Act, we expect to see even more people taking the plunge and bringing a new pet into their lives. That could have a positive ripple effect across the wider pet industry, from veterinary services and pet products to insurance and pet-friendly housing.

It may also encourage more landlords to recognise the benefits of welcoming responsible pet owners, helping to create a rental market that better reflects the reality that millions of people view pets as part of the family.

Most importantly, it means more people will be able to experience the unique bond that comes with sharing their lives with a pet.

If the past month is anything to go by, the Renters' Rights Act isn't just changing housing policy; it's helping thousands of people turn a long-held wish into reality, and we're here to support it every step of the way.