This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rental law differs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, so check the rules where you live. Last reviewed 14 August 2026.
A viewing is the moment to check whether the property works in real life. For pet owners, that means looking beyond room sizes and kitchen finishes.
The 20-point viewing checklist
- Confirm the pet permission. Ask exactly which pets and how many are allowed.
- Check who makes the decision. If an agent is showing you around, confirm whether landlord or freeholder approval is still outstanding.
- Inspect garden boundaries. Look for gaps, low fencing and gates that do not latch securely.
- Check the route outside. Is it straightforward at night, in rain or with an elderly dog?
- Look at balconies and windows. Consider cat safety and whether any permitted safety measures can be fitted.
- Check communal rules. Ask about shared gardens, lifts, corridors and pet access.
- Listen for noise. Thin walls can matter if your pet is anxious or vocal.
- Look at flooring. Think about scratching, slipping and how easy it is to clean.
- Check ventilation. Good airflow matters for people, pets and avoiding condensation.
- Look for damp or mould. Do not accept serious unresolved issues because the home otherwise seems convenient.
- Check heating and hot water. Ask how they are controlled and what fuel is used.
- Look for smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Safety duties vary by property, but a rental should not leave obvious safety questions unanswered.
- Ask who manages repairs. Is it the agent, landlord or another management company?
- Check outdoor space claims. “Nearby park” can mean very different things — walk the route if it matters to you.
- Ask about previous pet damage. Existing scratches or stains should be recorded before you move in.
- Check storage. Food, litter, crates, leads and cleaning equipment all need somewhere sensible to go.
- Confirm the deposit. Make sure the amount matches what was advertised.
- Ask about any zero-deposit option. If offered, compare it with the normal cash-deposit route.
- Check the move-in date. Make sure it works with your current tenancy and pet arrangements.
- Do not rush because of pressure. A genuine property should withstand sensible questions about the tenancy, costs and pet policy.
Safety checks matter too
In England, landlords have legal responsibilities around property safety, including gas, electrical and fire-safety requirements. The exact requirements and terminology differ across the UK, so use the viewing to spot issues and then check the rules for your nation.
After the viewing
Write down anything promised verbally and ask for clarification in writing. If the garden will be repaired, the pet permission still needs approval or a damp issue is being treated, make sure you know what will happen before you sign.
If the home is not right, return to Paw Keys search and save an alert rather than compromising on something important to you or your pet.
Five red flags worth taking seriously
- The lister will not explain who owns or manages the property.
- You are pressured to pay immediately to “beat another tenant”.
- Pet permission is promised verbally but nobody will put it in writing.
- Serious damp, mould or disrepair is dismissed as cosmetic.
- The photographs are materially different from the home you are shown.
Take your own notes
After several viewings, properties blur together. Record the pet policy, management arrangement, deposit, move-in date and any repairs promised. If you are allowed to take photographs, focus on practical details you may need to remember rather than photographing the current occupier’s possessions.
Should you take your pet to the viewing?
Only if the lister agrees and it is genuinely useful. Many pets are better left somewhere familiar while you inspect the property. You can assess fencing, access and room layout without putting the animal through an unnecessary journey.
Before you say yes
Make sure the written information matches what you were told. Check the advertised rent, deposit, pet permission, who will manage the tenancy and anything that must be completed before move-in. A viewing should help you make a calmer decision, not create pressure to commit on the spot.
