Category: prs

Rightmove has reported that there has been a significant increase in the number of tenants searching for pet-friendly properties.

Pet-friendly

The data reports that Rightmove’s portals have received a 120% jump in searches for landlords who accept dogs and cats.

Agents have also corroborated this, with calls enquiring about pet-friendly properties.

Data taken from the Government and pet-charities reveals that over 50% of all households now have a pet, 3.2 million of which were purchased during the pandemic.

This means that landlords who do not accept pets, for fear of damage to properties or other reasons, may soon need to consider their approach.

Outdoor space

Along with enquiries about pet-friendly tenancies, has come the increase in demand for outdoor space.

According to the Rightmove data, demand for properties with a balcony was up 70% and properties with a garden was up by 39%.

Requests for parking has also increased in popularity - demand up 48% - and one of the most common requests from renters, for all bills to be included, is up by 38%.

This highlights just how much of a shift the attitude towards owning a pet has changed in the last year, as the search volume for outdoor space and parking only increased very slightly, in comparison to demand for properties that are pet-friendly.

Rightmove’s director of property data, Tim Bannister, commented:

“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.”

Animal Accommodation Bill

Early this year, the Conservative MP for Romford, Andrew Rosindell, introduced the Dogs and Domestic Animals Accommodation and Protection Bill.

The bill urges dogs and other animals to be allowed in rented accommodation so long as owners demonstrate their care for them.

The proposal has cross-party support and has been backed by animal welfare charities.

However, because of Coronavirus restrictions having cut debating time in the House of Commons, no time has been found for the Bill to make progress.