If you’re a landlord looking to lease your property faster, it might be time to reconsider your pet policy. New research from Zillow, based on over 11 million rental listings, shows that saying “yes” to pets can significantly boost your rental success. Pet-friendly rentals not only attract more attention but also lease quicker—on average, eight days faster than those that don’t allow pets.
Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Are in Demand
Renters today are older, more established, and increasingly likely to own pets. Nearly 6 in 10 renters (59%) have a pet, up from 46% pre-pandemic. For many, finding a pet-friendly rental is non-negotiable—almost half of renters surveyed said they passed on properties that didn’t allow pets. With renters prioritizing long-term leasing, accommodating their furry companions can make your property stand out.
As the rental market has become more competitive as of late, allowing pets at your property can be a strategic edge for landlords.
🐾 Pet-Friendly Rentals Get More Views—and Tenants
In 2024, 57% of listings on Zillow Rentals—the platform with the most rental listings—were pet-friendly. These listings saw:
- 9% more views
- 12% more saves
- 11% more shares
Compared to non-pet-friendly listings. Most notably, pet-friendly rentals were leased eight days faster on average, reducing vacancy periods and maximizing landlord revenue. Furthermore, almost half of all renters have passed on a unit simply because it wasn’t pet-friendly.
🏠 Long-Term Renters Are Bringing Pets
Today’s renters are older and more likely to be long-term tenants—many of whom view their pets as family. In today’s market, tenants have more options. Adding pet-friendly to your rental listing could be the deciding factor that sets your property apart. As mentioned previously, in a competitive rental market, allowing pets at your property can be a distinct competitive advantage.
📍 Where Are the Most Pet-Friendly Markets?
According to Zillow, Texas cities lead the way in accommodating four-legged tenants:
- Austin: 80% of listings allowed pets
- Dallas: 79%
- San Antonio: 78%
On the flip side, Houston surprisingly ranks lowest among major U.S. cities, with only 38% of rental listings allowing pets. Other pet-unfriendly cities include:
- Providence (43%)
- Hartford (43%)
- San Jose (44%)
⏱ Cities Where Pet-Friendly Rentals Lease Fastest
The impact of allowing pets is most visible in how quickly these units are leased:
- New York City: Pet-friendly units rented 26 days faster
- Tampa: 16 days faster
- Columbus: 12 days faster
- Phoenix: 11 days faster
- Cincinnati & Austin: 10 days faster
Even in New York, where pet-friendly units saw slightly fewer views and shares (likely because they rented out so quickly), the benefit is clear: less time on the market.
💼 Why Landlords Should Reconsider Their Pet Policy
Making your rental pet-friendly can:
- Reduce vacancy time
- Increase listing visibility
- Attract more stable, long-term tenants
- Provide a competitive edge in high-supply markets
If you’re concerned about potential damage, consider charging a pet deposit or monthly pet rent to offset risk while still welcoming pet owners. Nowadays, most landlords will require a non-refundable pet fee for any tenants with animals.
Summary
With nearly 60% of renters owning pets and demand for pet-friendly housing on the rise, landlords who accommodate pets are not only being kind—they’re being smart. Accepting pets can improve your bottom line, shorten vacancy periods, and open the door to a wider pool of responsible tenants.
Are you thinking about buying or selling an investment property in the South Florida area? We can help! Contact Natasha at Live South Florida Realty, Inc. today! Also, be sure to download the free Florida Home Search App for your smartphone or tablet.
