Demand for pet-friendly rental homes has more than doubled in the last year, new figures have revealed.
The report comes after a third of UK households became pet owners since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020.
Published by online property agents Rightmove, the study shows that demand for pet-friendly accommodation among renters has soared by 120% in the last 12 months.
In comparison, demand across all tenancy types has risen by just 13%.
A separate study also found that one fifth of tenants looking for properties last summer mentioned pets “specifically as part of their requirements”.
It means that landlords who allow pets in their homes could occupy their property faster and potentially charge a higher level of rent.
Commenting on the figures, Rightmove’s Tim Barrister said the “pandemic pet boom” may have a long-term impact on 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,” he said.
The Rightmove study also found that demand for outside space soared in 2020/21. For example, demand for properties with a balcony increased by 70%, while demand for homes with a garden rose by 39%.
Parking, fully-furnished properties, garages, and ensuites were also popular, alongside rental homes with “bills included”.
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