Given the choice most landlords would just say 'No' to any pet larger than a goldfish, writes David Lawrenson.

If anything, buy to letters tend to favour dogs over cats because it is thought that cats can do a lot of damage if they scratch soft furnishings. And most landlords say 'No' to large dogs, especially of the hairy variety.

If you are letting a flat or any property governed by local housing or estate regulations, before you let to anyone with a pet you should check the terms of the head lease to see if there is a prohibition on pets. About 30% will have such a prohibition.

Landlords are, of course, under no legal obligation to accept pets.

But are landlords who refuse pets missing out and reducing the size of their market?