Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Lease Faster—and What That Means for Property Owners

Key Takeaways

• Pet-friendly rentals are leased an average of eight days faster than those that prohibit pets.

• Nearly six in ten renters now own pets, up from less than half just a few years ago.

• Allowing pets in rental properties attracts more views, saves, and shares—boosting marketing reach and filling vacancies faster.

• Property owners must weigh the pros and cons of allowing pets to balance tenant satisfaction with property protection.

The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Rentals

Today’s rental market is changing—and pets are leading the way. With more renters than ever identifying as pet owners, demand for pet-friendly housing has skyrocketed. A new analysis of over 11 million rental listings found that units welcoming pets were rented eight days faster on average than those with restrictions.

This shift is more than just a passing trend. In 2019, only 46% of renters reported having pets. Today, that figure has climbed to 58%, reflecting both cultural changes and post-pandemic lifestyle adjustments. As renters gain more options in competitive housing markets, many prioritize pet inclusivity. In fact, nearly half of renters admitted they skipped over properties simply because pets weren’t allowed.

For landlords and property managers, this data tells a compelling story: being pet-friendly isn’t just about kindness—it’s smart business.

Marketing Advantages of Pet-Friendly Rentals

Pet-friendly properties aren’t just filling vacancies faster; they’re also gaining more attention online. According to the study, listings that allow pets receive:

• 9% more views

• 12% more saves

• 11% more shares
  

In a digital-first market, where renters often choose properties based on online impressions, those numbers matter. More visibility means a larger tenant pool and, ultimately, more qualified applicants.

Markets like New York City, Tampa, and Austin are seeing especially strong leasing performance from pet-friendly rentals, with some units renting out 10 to 26 days faster than non-pet listings. For property owners in competitive cities, allowing pets can be a decisive factor in reducing costly vacancy periods.

Should Landlords Allow Pets?

While the benefits are clear, allowing pets also comes with risks. Pet damage, noise complaints, and allergy concerns are valid considerations for property owners. However, policies such as pet deposits, monthly pet rent, or breed and size restrictions can help balance tenant demand with property protection.

At Wolfnest, we’ve explored this issue in detail, providing landlords with resources to make informed choices:

• Learn about the considerations in  allowing pets in rental apartments.

• Explore the  pros and cons of permitting pets in a rental property.

By setting clear policies, landlords can attract more tenants without sacrificing peace of mind.

How Property Management Can Help

Navigating pet policies can be tricky. A professional property management company can guide owners through the process, from drafting pet agreements to screening tenants and handling deposits. More importantly, they can strike the right balance between keeping units attractive to renters and protecting the owner’s investment.

As the data shows, the demand for pet-friendly rentals is only increasing. Owners who embrace this trend today may find themselves with shorter vacancies, stronger tenant retention, and a more competitive property portfolio tomorrow.

FAQs

Q: Are pet-friendly rentals always more profitable?
Not always, but they often reduce vacancy times and expand the tenant pool. With proper deposits and pet rent, many landlords find them more profitable long term.

Q: How can landlords protect their properties if they allow pets?
Requiring pet deposits, adding pet rent, setting size or breed restrictions, and including clear lease clauses can help minimize risks.

Q: Do tenants with pets stay longer?
Yes, studies show pet-owning tenants often stay longer in rentals, reducing turnover costs for landlords.

Q: Is Salt Lake City a pet-friendly rental market?
Utah is experiencing the same trend as the rest of the country—more renters own pets, and properties that allow them tend to lease faster.

Final Thoughts

Pet-friendly rentals aren’t just a tenant preference—they’re a proven way to lease units faster and reduce vacancy costs. By adopting thoughtful pet policies, landlords can keep their properties competitive in today’s evolving market.

If you’re ready to maximize your property’s potential while navigating the challenges of pet-friendly policies, Wolfnest can help. Our team specializes in smart, data-driven property management solutions tailored for Utah’s rental market.

Summarize this content with AI:

Real Estate Investing Resources