The RSPCA has hailed it a “historic day for pet ownership,” but as the Renters’ Rights Act opens the doors of private rental properties to millions more animals, a leading vet is warning tenants to protect their deposits.
From 1 May, private tenants will have a legal right to ask their landlord's permission to keep a pet. But while the law finally catches up with the reality that pets are family, the financial liability for any “wear and tear” remains firmly on your shoulders.
With the average UK monthly rent sitting at £1,374, landlords are legally capped at requesting a five-week tenancy deposit - meaning severe pet damage can instantly wipe out a tenant's entire £1,585 fund.
Recent research from Mars Petcare and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home reveals that one in four renters are now more likely to get a pet following the legislative shift, which could unlock more than four million homes across England to animals.
However, while landlords can no longer issue blanket “no pets” bans, financial liability for any damage remains firmly on the tenant's shoulders.
The stakes are high. Data reveals that 75% of owners have experienced pet-related damage at home, leading to a collective UK repair bill of over £627 million. Soiled carpets and flooring damage (50%) are the leading causes of destruction, followed by chewed furniture (32%), ripped upholstery (23%), and even electrical damage (10%).
While landlords can no longer issue blanket bans, they can still hold renters to account for every scratch and stain.
With "no-fault" evictions abolished and pet insurance no longer a mandatory requirement for tenants under the final Act, landlords will be more eagle-eyed than ever at the end of a tenancy.
Dr. Charlotte Inness, an experienced vet and founder of online veterinary pharmacy VetMedi.co.uk, is all too familiar with the problem but is confident in why it happens and how to fix it.
“Destructive behaviour isn't your pet being 'naughty' or spiteful,” says Dr. Inness. “It is almost always a physical manifestation of boredom, anxiety, or a natural instinct that hasn't been given a proper outlet. In a rental property, those instincts can become very expensive, very quickly.”
1. Ditch the bowl and make them work
Boredom is the leading cause of destructive chewing in dogs, resulting from a lack of physical and mental stimulation. Dogs often chew to self-soothe, release pent-up energy, or entertain themselves, and furniture, shoes, or household items often bear the brunt.
According to Dr. Inness, the best way to combat boredom and keep a pet entertained is to make them work for their food. Use "food puzzles" or snuffle mats to slow down mealtime. This can range from something as simple as a Kong toy for treats through to puzzle feeders for meals.
“Having several different types of food puzzles keeps your pet guessing,” says Dr. Inness. “It ensures they don't lose interest or work out the 'game' too quickly. A mentally exhausted dog is a dog that naps instead of gnaws.”
2. The 'bitter' truth
For dogs that chew skirting boards or chair legs - or cats that gnaw on fabrics - use a pet-safe bitter apple or cherry spray. These non-toxic deterrents make surfaces taste unpleasant without harming the animal.
“It’s a highly effective way to make furniture legs or 'chew-zones' taste unpleasant and discourage the habit,” says Dr. Inness. “However, an alternative to sprays is a vet-approved diffuser that plugs into an electrical socket. These spread a calming pheromone scent around the home to tackle the reason for the chewing anxiety - rather than just the symptom.”
It’s advisable to test a spray on an inconspicuous area first. Some deterrents can damage the finish on polished or antique wood, potentially leading to the very damage charges you're trying to avoid.
3. Create a 'safe zone'
Moving house is one of the biggest triggers for destructive anxiety, meaning if you have the opportunity to move into a rental property under the Renters’ Rights Act, the risk of pet-related damage actually increases.
To counter this, preparation is key. Set up a ‘den’ in the quietest part of the house and make it as cosy as possible with blankets, bedding, and your dog or cat’s favourite toys. Let your pet retreat there if they choose, but don’t force them out.
“An unwashed item of clothing that smells like you can also offer extra reassurance,” Dr. Inness explains. “Place it in their bed to create a snug, familiar space so they can settle in quickly and remain calm.”
4. Calm the mind to save the carpet
For many pets, destructive behaviour is a cry for help. For mild to moderate stress, there are a wide range of over-the-counter (OTC) products that can help settle a pet into a new rental or keep them calm during stressful events like moving day.
Supplements can provide nutritional support for anxious pets, while plug-in diffusers like Adaptil (dogs) or Feliway (cats) reduce stress, anxiety, and behavioural issues in pets and can be placed around the home. You can also use targeted calming sprays containing pheromones for short-term periods to make pets feel safe, reducing the need for territorial marking.
“I always advise trialling these products on a quiet day first,” says Dr. Inness. “You need to know how your dog or cat responds and ensure the dosage is correct before the 'stress event' actually happens. Never try a new calming product for the first time during your moving day.”
5. Identify the ‘scratch style’
If you have a cat, you need to know their preference. Cats are typically either vertical or horizontal scratchers. If they’re hitting the sofa arm, they need a tall, sturdy post. If they’re digging at the carpet, they need flat cardboard scratch-mats. Provide the right outlet, or they'll find their own.
6. Manage the view
Many pets scratch at doors or windows because they are "reacting" to people outside. Invest in sturdy window blinds, or better yet, use temporary frosted window film on the lower panes. If they can't see the triggers (like the postman), they won't feel the need to paw at the frame.
7. Routine claw maintenance
It sounds simple, but keeping nails trimmed is the easiest way to prevent micro-scratches on hardwood floors and snags in carpets. If you can hear your dog's nails "click" on the floor, they are long enough to cause damage.
