Over a fifth of pet owners (22%) who rent their home have been evicted – after their landlord found out about their furry friend.
One in ten tenants are currently choosing to keep their animals a secret from their landlord – with dogs (59%), cats (56%), and rabbits (8%) the most common animals that they are hiding.
And despite over half (52%) feeling anxious about it, and 28% feeling guilty, 53% of the 1,000 adults polled say they are ready for whatever potential consequences they might face if their landlord found out.
And 25% have kept a pet hidden from their landlord in the past – with 24% intent on keeping their animal, with or without permission.
But 10% have been caught out by their landlord – either due to a surprise visit (48%), seeing them when they were out, such as on a dog walk (21%), and even anonymous tip-offs (20%).
The research was commissioned by Mars Petcare, to mark the launch of “The Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership” – a digital guide published in partnership with Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, to help tenants and landlords navigate pet tenancy.
Paolo Rigamonti, general manager of Mars Petcare UK, said: “Responsible pet owners shouldn’t be denied the right to experience the joy and benefits of pet ownership just because they rent – but the current legislation and lack of clarity unfairly impacts renters.
“We also know just how severe the stress of living with uncertainty is for pet-owning tenants and, with tenancy restrictions directly contributing to pet abandonment, it’s clear change needs to happen.”
Broadcaster, cat owner, and landlord, Zara McDermott, said: “As a cat parent to Cedric and Albus, I know first-hand just how much joy pets can bring to life every day.
“The thought of loving pet owners having to choose between remaining in their home and keeping their pet is just awful, which is why I’m so pleased to be working with Mars Petcare and Battersea – helping pet owners get clued up with the Petiquette Guide to Rentals and Pet Ownership.”
The study also found 37% haven’t asked their landlord if they can have a pet – due to being worried they’ll say no (24%), and being afraid of getting evicted (14%).
The lengths tenants have gone to in order to keep their animals hidden included having someone on emergency standby to pet-sit (45%), and using room spray to conceal giveaway smells (37%).
Nearly a quarter (24%) have lied to their landlord and said the animal isn’t theirs, but a friend’s – while 19% have covered their pet’s cage or bed with a sheet.
It also emerged more than a third (34%) understand why property owners don’t allow pets in their rented properties, but they’re not in agreement with it.
And 69% of those surveyed, via OnePoll, support the proposed Renters’ Reform Bill, which will make it easier for tenants to find a home.
Almost nine in ten (87%) agreed there are benefits to living with a pet – including combating loneliness (84%), reducing stress (75%), and encouraging exercise (63%).
But for 34%, having an animal has caused problems for them when trying to find somewhere to live.
One such tenant is Zoe Dowler, 31, who is moving out of London due to a lack of pet-friendly properties.
Zoe was renting in North London with her 15-year-old Ragdoll, Roxy, who she adopted 10 years ago, when her landlord doubled her rent.
She had paid an additional deposit of £500 – half her monthly rent – when she moved in, in order to have Roxy live with her, but the 50% increase meant they were forced to look for somewhere more affordable.
Searching for options, she was shocked to find zero results fitting her budget, location of North London – and, importantly, a pet-friendly criteria.
Reaching out to landlords explaining Roxy is an elderly, well-behaved cat, she received no response – and as a result, has decided to move out of the area she has called home for a decade.
Her other options, which were a no-go for Zoe, were to give up Roxy, or stay put and spend over half her income on rent.
Zoe is prepared to take the leap in order to not be separated from her feline friend, but feels the lack of suitable options has essentially forced her out.
Zoe said: “Roxy and I have been through a number of rental situations in London, some good, and some bad.
“When I first got Roxy, I didn’t tell my landlord for two years, as I wasn’t technically allowed a pet.
“The stress of keeping Roxy a secret was overwhelming, and I decided to be upfront with landlords since then.
“After looking on various housing websites, inputting my preferences through the “pet filter”, I was shocked that my search threw up zero results within my price bracket.
“The only viable option for me now is to move out of the city I’ve called home for over 10 years, unless I was prepared to give up Roxy – something I could never do.”
Paolo Rigamonti added: “We know some landlords have understandable concerns, but many recognise the numerous benefits of renting to tenants with pets.
“Our Petiquette Guide is a fantastic resource for landlords and tenants, arming them with the information they need in one place, and helping ensure no pets or renters have to face unimaginable consequences of overly-restrictive tenancy agreements.”
