1st
Sep 2021
According to an online real estate portal and property website, renters’ demand for pet friendly properties has exploded in the last twelve months by 120 per cent.
The property website’s data highlights tenant’s enquiries for landlords willing to take on pets rose dramatically because of the ongoing pandemic which is in line with overall tenant demand rising by 13 per cent in the same period.
The second highest demand increase was for properties with balconies by 70 per cent, parking increased by 48%, garden demand increased by 39 per cent and residences with all bills included is up by 38%.
Director of property data for the portal, Tim Bannister, said: “The rise in pet ownership during the lockdown periods has been well documented, and we’re seeing this translate to the rental market.
"Becoming a pet owner is a long-term commitment, so what’s really interesting to consider is the impact this could have on the rental market in the future, and it’s a signal to landlords that if they were to consider allowing a well-behaved pet then it may open them up to a bigger pool of potential tenants.”
Richard Merrick of PIMS said:” Canine and Feline Psychometric Tests have been around for some time and could be introduced as a safety measure for landlords although I cannot see prospective tenants being prepared to pay for such an examination as it does include the owner/handler as well. The majority of damage to rented homes caused by pets is from cats and dogs……plus of course their owners with little respect for their rented homes.
“It is all well and good for MPs to push for outlawing landlords not considering to take on tenants with pets, but they don’t have to clear up the mess, replace furnishings, carry out extra repairs and maintence to their property in the aftermath of a rogue tenant and pet.
“It will be interesting to find out how many of the 115 landlord MPs actually house tenants with pets.”
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