🐾 Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Fill Faster—and Show Better
If you’re a landlord struggling to fill a vacancy or looking to make your investment property stand out, here’s one strategy that may surprise you: allow pets.
According to a recent Zillow analysis, pet-friendly rental units in Greater Boston lease nine days faster than those that don’t allow pets. Nationally, pet-friendly units fill eight days faster. In ultra-competitive markets like New York City, the difference is even more dramatic—pet-friendly units rent 26 days faster than pet-restricted ones.
So what’s driving this trend, and why should landlords reconsider their no-pet policies?
🐶 The Rise of Pet-Friendly Renters
More than half of today’s renters have pets, and that number continues to grow. With the average renter being older and more established, many are moving with their furry companions and prioritize finding housing that welcomes them.
Zillow reports that:
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57% of rental listings in 2024 allowed pets
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Pet-friendly listings received 9% more views on average
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Pet-friendly units leased significantly faster across nearly every market
For landlords, this presents an opportunity to expand their tenant pool, reduce vacancy time, and differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive rental market.
🧼 Pet Owners Often Treat Units Differently—In a Good Way
There’s a common misconception that pet owners are messier or more careless tenants, but in many cases, the opposite is true.
👉 Dog owners, in particular, tend to maintain a more routine lifestyle, which translates to better upkeep of their space. Walk schedules, crate routines, and time outdoors often mean:
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Cleaner interiors (less wear and tear from constant indoor activity)
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Tidy living spaces (especially if they’re showing the apartment while still living there)
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Stronger tenant-landlord communication (many pet owners are proactive about concerns)
Renters with pets are also less likely to break leases or move impulsively, as finding another pet-friendly unit can be challenging, making them more stable tenants.
💰 Rethinking the “Cost” of Allowing Pets
Some landlords shy away from pets due to concerns about damage. However, with the right safeguards in place, you can protect your property while still attracting pet-owning renters. Consider:
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Collecting a refundable pet deposit
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Charging a modest monthly pet rent
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Requiring proof of vaccinations, renter’s insurance, or pet references
These simple steps can reduce risk while still welcoming a large segment of the rental market.
📈 The Bottom Line: Pets Are Good for Business
In today’s rental landscape, being pet-friendly isn’t just generous—it’s an innovative business.
By opening your unit to pet owners, you:
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Fill vacancies faster
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Get more online exposure
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Potentially earn more in rent
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Attract longer-term, stable tenants
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Create a better showing experience if your current tenant has a pet
Thinking about allowing pets in your next rental listing? I’d be happy to help you market it to the right audience and set up a pet-friendly rental policy that protects your property. If you are looking for a rental that is pet-friendly, please check out this Listing
📧 Contact me today or explore more rental strategies at PageInnisRealEstate.com
📍 Serving Boston & The Lakes Region of NH
🔗 #PageInnisRealEstate #PetFriendlyRentals #GSIRBackBay
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