New research shows that, while the majority of rental housing allows pets, significant restrictions present hurdles for pet-owning renters.
It also shows that there are major opportunities for property owners and operators who can ease such restrictions.
The research is a part of an initial phase, of a Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative by non-profit organizations Michelson Found Animals Foundation and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI). The goal is to promote access to the joy of pets in every home.
The organizations released the results of the most comprehensive survey research to-date on pets and rental housing in the United States.
The research shows that, while the majority of rental housing allows pets, significant restrictions present hurdles for pet-owning renters. The research also shows that there are major opportunities for property owners and operators who can ease such restrictions.
“Michelson Found Animals and HABRI had a clear goal with this research: to provide actionable insights that can help make it easier for renters to have pets in their lives,” said Aimee Gilbreath, executive director, Michelson Found Animals.
“More pet-inclusive rentals could lead to millions more adoptions for renters who want pets.”
One third of pet owners in restricted pet-friendly housing said they would get another pet if restrictions were lifted, and 35% of non-pet-owners in non-pet-friendly housing would get a pet if restrictions were lifted. With changes that would allow more pets to be accommodated, as many as 8.75 million animals could find new homes over time.
- 24% of renters with pets said that “my pet has been a reason for me needing to move,” which means as many as 6 million people have experienced a move related to pet ownership at some point in their lives.
- 83% of property managers say that pet-friendly vacancies can be filled faster.
- 79% of property managers say that pet-friendly vacancies are easier to fill.
- Residents in pet-friendly units stay longer, averaging 4.6 years vs. 3.8 years for non-pet-friendly units.
“Pets are good for business. This data shows there are real opportunities for property owners and operators to achieve higher levels of occupancy and retention,” Feldman added.
“With the Pet-Inclusive Housing Initiative, we hope to bring housing providers and the pet care community together, so that everyone can learn and benefit from this new data.”
