Pet-Friendly Rental Shortages Frustrate Tenants
As the demand for pet-friendly rental properties continues to rise, tenants are facing more challenges in finding suitable housing for themselves and their furry friends. With the rise of pet ownership in recent years, it’s no surprise that more and more renters are looking for accommodation that allows them to keep their beloved pets. However, the shortage of pet-friendly rentals is causing frustration for many tenants. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind this shortage and explore some solutions for tenants who are struggling to find pet-friendly housing.
The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Rentals
According to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, 67% of U.S. households own a pet, which equates to approximately 84.9 million homes. This rise in pet ownership has led to a surge in demand for pet-friendly rental properties, with more and more tenants looking for accommodations that allow them to keep their beloved pets. However, this rise in demand has not been met with an equal increase in the number of pet-friendly rental listings.
On top of this, millennials are currently the largest demographic of renters, and they are also the generation with the highest percentage of pet ownership. As this demographic continues to rent and look for accommodations that meet their needs, it’s no wonder that there is a shortage of pet-friendly rentals.
The Challenges Tenants Face
Limited Options
One of the main challenges that tenants face when looking for pet-friendly rentals is the limited options available. With a high demand but low supply of pet-friendly properties, tenants often find themselves competing with numerous other potential renters for the same rental. This leads to a smaller pool of suitable options, making it difficult for tenants to find a rental that fits their needs and budget.
Higher Rent Prices
Another factor that adds to the frustration of tenants looking for pet-friendly rentals is the higher rent prices. As mentioned earlier, tenants are competing for a limited number of options, and landlords know this. They often increase the rent for pet-friendly rentals, taking advantage of the high demand. This results in tenants having to pay more for their rental, which can be a significant burden on their budget.
Discrimination against Pets
Some landlords may also have strict no-pet policies, making it even more challenging for tenants to find a suitable rental that allows their pets. This discrimination against pets can be frustrating for tenants who view their pets as important members of their family. It also limits their options and often forces them to choose between giving up their pet or not finding a rental.
Possible Solutions
Legislation for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Some cities and states have already implemented legislation that addresses the shortage of pet-friendly rentals. For example, in California, landlords are legally required to consider reasonable accommodation for tenants with disabilities, including emotional support animals. This means that landlords cannot refuse to rent to a tenant solely because they have a pet.
Additionally, some cities have introduced programs that incentivize landlords to make their properties pet-friendly. For example, San Francisco has a program that offers a tax exemption for landlords who allow pets in their rental properties. Programs like these can encourage more landlords to open their doors to pet owners, increasing the supply of pet-friendly rentals.
Pet Resumes
One way for pet owners to stand out in a competitive rental market is by creating a pet resume. This can include information about the pet’s age, breed, size, training, and even references from previous landlords. This can help landlords see that the pet is well-behaved, and it may persuade them to reconsider their no-pet policy.
Start Your Search Early
To increase their chances of finding a pet-friendly rental, tenants should start their search early. This gives them more time to look for options and make arrangements for their pet if needed. It also allows them to beat the competition and secure a rental before it gets snatched up by another tenant.
Conclusion
The shortage of pet-friendly rentals is a frustrating reality for many tenants. However, with the growing demand for pet-friendly accommodations, we can hope to see an increase in the supply of these rentals in the future. In the meantime, tenants can take advantage of programs and legislation that support pet-friendly rentals and use creative tactics, such as pet resumes, to secure a rental for themselves and their furry companions.
