Before you send that request letter to your landlord, you need to know exactly what it will cost. Here is a transparent breakdown of every expense — from pet deposits and insurance premiums to end-of-tenancy cleaning and potential damage.
By Álvaro Abreu · 16 May 2026 · 15 min read
The financial side of renting with a pet is where most tenants get caught off guard. According to the 2024 PDSA PAW Report, UK pet owners spend an average of £2,154 per year on their dog and £1,434 on their cat. But the rental-specific costs — deposits, insurance, potential deductions — are rarely discussed in detail.
This guide breaks down every pound you might spend, so there are no surprises when your landlord comes back with their conditions.
The guide compares 8 insurance providers and includes a cost calculator. Know your numbers before you approach your landlord.
Get the guide — £8.99PDF · Instant download · 14-day refund
The most significant upfront cost is the pet deposit. Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019, your main tenancy deposit is capped at five weeks' rent. But landlords can request an additional, separate pet deposit to cover potential animal-related damage.
In 2026, typical pet deposits sit between £200 and £500. The exact amount depends on several factors:
Crucially, this deposit must be protected in a government-approved deposit protection scheme (DPS, MyDeposits, or TDS) within 30 days — the same as your main deposit. If your landlord fails to protect it, you may be entitled to compensation of up to three times the deposit amount.
Pet liability insurance (sometimes called "pet damage cover for tenants") is not legally required, but it is strongly recommended — and many landlords now make it a condition of granting consent. Monthly premiums typically range from £15 to £30, or £180 to £360 per year.
What you get for that money:
The guide's chapter "Pet damage insurance — deposits and real costs" reviews eight major UK providers including Waggel, ManyPets, Lemonade, and traditional insurers like More Than and Petplan. It identifies which policies specifically include tenant liability cover (many standard pet insurance policies do not).
Some landlords ask for a professional clean of the property before the pet moves in, to establish a baseline condition. This is not standard — and you are within your rights to refuse if it is not in the tenancy agreement — but offering to pay for one (typically £100–£150 for a two-bed flat) can smooth the approval process.
As detailed above, your ongoing insurance premium is the main monthly cost directly related to renting (as opposed to general pet ownership). Factor this into your monthly budget alongside rent and utilities.
Under the Renters' Rights Act 2026, landlords cannot increase your rent specifically because you have a pet. Any rent increase must follow the statutory process (Section 13 notice with two months' notice, once per year) and must reflect market rates — not the presence of a pet.
However, in practice, some landlords price "pet-friendly" properties slightly higher from the outset. ONS private rental data suggests pet-friendly listings average 3–5% higher rents than comparable pet-restricted properties — roughly £30–£50 per month on the average UK rental of £1,100/month.
Budget for ongoing pet-related property maintenance:
Most tenancy agreements require a professional clean when you move out, whether you have a pet or not. With a pet, expect the cost to be at the higher end — or for the landlord to require specialist pet-odour treatment.
Typical costs in 2026:
Even with insurance, your landlord may attempt deductions from your deposit at the end of the tenancy. Common pet-related deductions include:
However — and this is crucial — deductions must account for fair wear and tear. A carpet that was already five years old when you moved in cannot be deducted at full replacement cost. The guide explains how depreciation works and how to challenge unreasonable deductions through the deposit protection scheme's dispute resolution process.
For most tenants, the rental-specific cost of having a pet works out to £30–£80 per month on top of your normal pet ownership expenses. That is the price of the freedom to live with your companion animal — and under the 2026 Act, it is a right you can now exercise.
Not all policies are equal. Some tenancy-specific policies cover higher amounts for lower premiums. The guide compares eight providers side by side so you can find the best value for your situation. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive policy with equivalent cover is nearly £150 per year.
If you have a small, well-behaved cat with references from a previous landlord, you should not be paying the same deposit as someone with an untrained puppy. Present your Pet CV and insurance documentation and negotiate a lower deposit. Many landlords will agree to £200 if you demonstrate responsibility.
Take timestamped photos of every room, every carpet, every skirting board. This protects you from unfair deductions at the end of your tenancy. If the carpet already had stains when you moved in, you need photographic proof.
Invest £50–£100 upfront in scratch guards, door protectors, and washable throw rugs for high-traffic areas. This can save hundreds in deposit deductions later. A £30 scratch guard on the front door prevents a £250 replacement charge.
The guide includes a provider comparison table with prices, coverage limits, and our recommendation for best value.
Get the guide — £8.99PDF · Instant download · 14-day refund
Under the Tenant Fees Act 2019 and the Renters' Rights Act 2026, your landlord cannot charge you:
If your landlord or letting agent attempts to charge any of these, they are likely in breach of the Tenant Fees Act. The guide explains how to identify and challenge unlawful charges.
At an average of £50/month in rental-specific costs, the question becomes: is the companionship of your pet worth £50 per month? For most pet owners, the answer is obvious. The 2024 ONS wellbeing data suggests that pet owners report significantly higher life satisfaction scores — and during the post-pandemic rental crisis, Shelter found that pet ownership was cited as the primary barrier to finding housing for over 800,000 UK renters.
The Renters' Rights Act 2026 has removed the biggest barrier. The costs, while real, are manageable and predictable — especially when you plan for them in advance.
For the complete insurance comparison table and cost calculator, the Renting with Pets 2026 guide covers all of this in its dedicated chapter. For the step-by-step process of actually making your request, see our complete checklist article. And if you are wondering what legal changes made all of this possible, read our breakdown of what the 2026 Act actually changed.