"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."
The significant increase in demand for a pet friendly rental property – measured by prospective tenants enquiring about properties via Rightmove - highlights the rise in pet ownership during the lockdown periods. The jump compares to total tenant demand rising by 13%.
Homes with a balcony have seen the second biggest rise in demand, up by 70%, while the need for parking is up by 48%, gardens are up by 39% and a property with all bills included is up by 38%.
Rightmove’s director of property data, 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.”
