In a plot twist that surprised absolutely no one who has ever dealt with a landlord, Rightmove reports that searches for pet-friendly rental properties have plummeted since England's Renters' Rights Act took effect in May. The new law says landlords can't unreasonably refuse pets, but apparently renters have decided that's not the same as a guarantee - and searches dropped more than 50% in May and June compared to last year.

Megan Eighteen, immediate past president of lettings agents trade body ARLA Propertymark, noted there's plenty of "potential for misunderstanding" about what the law actually means. Translation: tenants thought they could finally adopt that Great Dane for their studio flat, but landlords are still allowed to say no if, say, the flat is the size of a shoebox or the dog is technically a horse.

Rightmove data shows that while "pets" remains the most searched-for term overall - beating out gardens, garages, and furnishings - its lead is shrinking. Searches fell 54% in May and 52% in June compared with the same months in 2023. Marc von Grundherr, director of agency Benham and Reeves, noted that some tenants have started playing a game of "surprise pet!" by only disclosing their furry friend after signing the lease, or getting caught during inspections. "Tenants now understand the balance of power has shifted," he said, which is a polite way of saying landlords can't just slap a 'no pets' sticker on everything and call it a day.

Landlords can still refuse pets for valid reasons: allergies, property too small, illegal animals, or if the freeholder says no. But the law has already made a difference for people like Eve Williamson, a 41-year-old former hairdresser from London, who had to give up her American Bulldog, Khan, or face eviction. She called the experience awful and is now delighted with the change. Meanwhile, Katie Smith, 29, from Swindon, has two cats - Pumpkin and Pippin - and says the choice of rentals still shrinks dramatically when pets are involved. She wants landlords to "give them a chance."

Russell Hunt, founder of Pets Lets, which matches clients with pet-friendly rentals, suggests tenants should submit pet CVs - because nothing says "responsible pet owner" like a résumé for your Basset Beagle cross named Biscuit. He argues landlords should consider that older dogs are calmer and sleep more, rather than just banning all large or multiple pets.

But landlords have their own list of grievances: no power to force tenants to get insurance, no legal right to ask for an extra deposit, and the burden of costs if Fido decides the carpet is a chew toy. Chris Norris of the National Residential Landlords Association says many landlords have "legitimate concerns" about irresponsible pet owners. Lesley Horton, the UK's chief property ombudsman, clarified that landlords can't charge pet surcharges, but they can deduct from the deposit for proven damage. So tenants, your deposit is still at risk if your pet decides to redecorate.