Renters across the UK are finding it increasingly difficult to secure homes that welcome their four-legged friends. Yet, more than half of UK households now own a pet, and demand for pet-friendly rentals continues to grow. For landlords and property investors in Cardiff, this presents a clear opportunity.
By understanding what pet-owning tenants are looking for, adapting properties to meet their needs, and following best practice for protection and marketing, landlords can benefit from longer tenancies, reduced voids, and more competitive rental yields.
If you’re a buy-to-let landlord or investor exploring pet-friendly rentals in Cardiff, here’s everything you need to know.
Why pet-friendly rentals in Cardiff are on the rise
As a capital city surrounded by green space and coastal access, Cardiff is naturally appealing to pet owners. It combines urban convenience with lifestyle-driven neighbourhoods like Pontcanna, Roath and Llandaff, making it ideal for tenants with dogs, cats and other animals.
Rightmove data shows a sharp increase in search filters used for “pet-friendly” homes since 2020. Zoopla reports that renters with pets are willing to pay up to £60 more per month for a home that accepts animals.
Despite this demand, only around 7% of listings on leading portals actively advertise themselves as pet-friendly. That gap is where switched-on landlords can benefit.
Belvoir Cardiff regularly sees homes marketed as pet-friendly attract:
- More tenant enquiries
- Longer stays
- Higher occupancy rates
The current rental landscape in Cardiff
According to the latest Zoopla Price Index, Cardiff continues to show steady rental growth, with average monthly rents sitting around £1150 depending on the area and property type.
Demand remains strong for two and three-bedroom homes, particularly in suburbs with green space, gardens and good transport links. These areas naturally appeal to families and professionals with pets.
Rightmove HPI highlights a notable shift in tenants relocating from inner-city flats to more spacious homes in areas like:
- Pontcanna
- Llandaff North
- Roath
- Grangetown
- Cyncoed
Landlords who adapt their properties for pet owners in these locations stand to generate greater interest and tenant loyalty.
Is your property in one of Cardiff’s most in-demand pet-friendly areas?
Request a free, no-obligation rental valuation with Belvoir Cardiff.
What makes a property pet-friendly?
Creating a pet-friendly rental doesn’t mean compromising on quality or comfort. It simply means designing and managing the property with pet-owning tenants in mind.
Here are the key features tenants look for:
- Secure garden or yard: This is particularly important for renters with dogs. Even a small, enclosed outdoor area makes a big difference.
- Pet-tolerant flooring: Laminate, vinyl or tiled floors are more hygienic and easier to clean than carpets.
- Pet permission: Be clear that cats, dogs or small caged animals are welcome.
- Nearby green space: Proximity to parks or walking trails increases appeal.
- Strong fencing: Ensure any outdoor area is properly enclosed.
Tenants are also reassured when properties come with clear pet clauses in the tenancy agreement. These might include:
- Professional cleaning at end of tenancy
- Agreement to repair pet-related damage
- Disclosure of pet type and number in writing
Can landlords refuse pets in Cardiff?
The short answer is yes, but the law is changing.
Under the proposed Renters Reform Bill, tenants will gain the right to request permission to keep a pet. Landlords will need to provide a valid reason to refuse, and cannot issue blanket bans without justification.
However, landlords remain protected. You can:
- Request a pet reference from a previous landlord
- Require tenants to hold pet insurance that covers damage
- Add fair clauses into tenancy agreements
- Conduct regular inspections and detailed inventories
Just remember, flexibility pays. Landlords that accept pets in Cardiff are already gaining an edge in a competitive market.
The best areas in Cardiff for pet-friendly rentals
Some neighbourhoods naturally lend themselves to tenants with pets, due to their proximity to green space, quieter roads, or access to walking trails.
Pontcanna
- Tree-lined, village-like feel with excellent park access
- Popular with professionals and downsizers
Llandaff North
- Close to the Taff Trail and Hailey Park
- Mixture of period homes and garden flats
Roath & Cathays
- Urban and walkable with flat conversions and shared gardens
- Attracts younger pet owners and professionals
Cyncoed & Lisvane
- Suburban feel with larger family homes
- High rental values and strong demand from long-term tenants
Grangetown
- Fast-changing area with riverside walks and improved amenities
- Popular with couples and young families
Properties in these areas not only appeal to pet owners but often yield better long-term results.
Marketing your Cardiff rental to attract pet-owning tenants
It’s one thing to offer a pet-friendly property, but it’s another to make sure tenants know about it.
Here are five marketing strategies that work:
- Use the right wording
- Avoid “no pets” and instead say “pets considered” or “dog-friendly garden”
- Avoid “no pets” and instead say “pets considered” or “dog-friendly garden”
- Tick the filters
- Portals like Zoopla and Rightmove allow you to mark listings as pet-friendly. This puts your property in front of the right audience.
- Portals like Zoopla and Rightmove allow you to mark listings as pet-friendly. This puts your property in front of the right audience.
- Highlight pet perks
- Promote garden access, pet-safe flooring, nearby parks and walking routes
- Promote garden access, pet-safe flooring, nearby parks and walking routes
- Professional photography
- Show clean, uncluttered, outdoor spaces that appeal to pet owners
- Show clean, uncluttered, outdoor spaces that appeal to pet owners
- Set expectations early
- Include details of the pet policy in the listing description
- Include details of the pet policy in the listing description
Many pet owners are responsible, long-term tenants simply looking for a landlord who understands their lifestyle.
Ready to list your Cardiff property as pet-friendly?
Contact Belvoir Cardiff to speak with our lettings experts.
Legal and financial considerations
Letting to pet owners isn’t without risks, but they can be managed with the right agreements and safeguards.
Tenancy agreements
- Add a clause that outlines pet types permitted
- Require professional carpet or upholstery cleaning if needed
Deposits and the Tenant Fees Act
- You cannot request a higher deposit than the legal maximum (typically five weeks’ rent)
- You can ask tenants to purchase pet damage insurance, and this is strongly recommended
Insurance and maintenance
- Check your landlord insurance covers accidental damage caused by pets
- Keep a schedule for regular inspections and maintenance
Inventory checks
- Always conduct detailed check-in and check-out reports, with photos
By setting clear boundaries from the start, you protect both your property and your tenant relationship.
How Belvoir Cardiff supports pet-friendly landlords
As local experts in the Cardiff lettings market, we work closely with landlords to:
- Draft tailored tenancy agreements with pet clauses
- Vet tenants and their pets for suitability
- Arrange pet damage insurance requirements
- Market the property using the right language and filters
- Carry out full inventories and inspections
Pet-friendly rentals are a growing niche — but they require careful management. That’s where we come in.
Want to know how pet-friendly features could increase your rental yield?
Book a no-obligation consultation with our property team.
Final thoughts: The business case for pet-friendly rentals in Cardiff
The data speaks for itself. Pet ownership is on the rise, tenant demand is growing, and rental properties that accept pets are achieving faster lets and longer stays.
In Cardiff, the opportunity is especially strong thanks to the city’s mix of lifestyle, outdoor space and family-friendly housing.
By embracing the needs of responsible pet-owning tenants, landlords can:
- Increase demand and fill vacancies faster
- Reduce churn and associated costs
- Appeal to a broader, more loyal tenant base
If you’re a landlord or investor looking to maximise returns and future-proof your portfolio, now is the time to consider going pet-friendly. And Belvoir Cardiff is here to help you do it right.
