A major shift for renters and pet lovers has arrived as the Renters’ Rights Act officially comes into force on 1st May 2026. The landmark legislation, welcomed by pet care giant Mars Incorporated and animal welfare charity Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, gives tenants across England the legal right to request pets in their rental homes—something landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse.
For millions of renters, this marks a long-awaited change to restrictive housing rules that have historically made pet ownership difficult or even impossible.
A Turning Point for Pet Ownership in Rental Housing
New research commissioned by Mars highlights just how significant this reform is. Around 31% of renters say housing rules previously stopped them from owning a pet, while nearly half (48%) of pet owners in rentals have had to move home just to keep or get a pet.
In some cases, tenants even faced financial hurdles, with 20% offering extra compensation to landlords to secure permission for their animals.
Until now, only 7% of rental listings were advertised as pet-friendly. With the new law in place, more than 4 million homes across England could open their doors to pets—dramatically expanding opportunities for animal ownership.
What This Means for Homeless Pets
The impact goes beyond renters. According to Mars’ State of Pet Homelessness Index, there are 1.1 million homeless cats and dogs in the UK, accounting for around 5% of the companion animal population.
By removing barriers to pet ownership, the legislation could play a crucial role in reducing that number—helping more rescue animals find stable, long-term homes.
The Wellbeing Benefits of Owning a Pet
It’s not just animals that benefit. Studies consistently show that pets can significantly improve quality of life:
- 83% of UK pet owners say their pets positively impact their wellbeing
- 33% say pets provide structure and purpose
- 30% report increased physical activity
- 82% of renting pet owners feel more “at home” with a pet
These findings reinforce why the new law is being hailed as a win for both mental health and lifestyle.
Awareness Gap: Many Renters Still Unsure of Their Rights
Despite the significance of the legislation, awareness remains low. More than a third (35%) of renters say they don’t fully understand their new rights under the Act.
To address this, Mars and Battersea have launched a “Renting with Pets Guide”, designed to help both tenants and landlords navigate the new rules.
What Is the ‘Renting with Pets Guide’?
The guide offers practical, easy-to-follow advice, including:
- How to create a “pet profile” to present to landlords
- Tips for making a formal pet request
- Guidance for landlords on managing pet-friendly properties
A Step Forward for Pet-Friendly Cities
This legislative change also supports Mars’ broader BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ initiative, which aims to create more pet-friendly urban environments—through improved access to green spaces, housing, and public areas.
Nick Foster, General Manager at Mars Pet Nutrition North Europe, described the moment as a breakthrough: pets are no longer seen as optional extras, but as essential members of the family.
Meanwhile, Battersea CEO Peter Laurie emphasised that rental restrictions have long been one of the top reasons pets are surrendered, making this reform a potentially life-changing development for both animals and owners.
The Renters’ Rights Act 2026 represents a major cultural and legal shift in how the UK approaches pet ownership in rental housing. By unlocking millions of homes and reducing barriers, it not only benefits renters—but could also help tackle the growing issue of pet homelessness.
For tenants, landlords, and animal lovers alike, this is more than policy—it’s progress.
Learn more at: www.mars.com
