Rentals More Accepting of Furry Friends

Choosing an apartment to rent has a lot to do with its pet policy, according to a recent survey from Apartments.com. Forty-three percent of respondents are current pet owners, with more than a quarter planning on getting a four-legged friend within the next year. However, renters need to do their homework first before bringing home a furry friend, as not all apartment buildings allow pets, and the ones that do often have fees associated with pet ownership.

Current and soon-to-be pet owners are in luck because property managers and landlords are recognizing that renting with pets is an increasing trend, and more buildings are starting to accommodate this demand. Nearly 70 percent of renters surveyed reported having no difficulties finding a pet-friendly apartment. More than half of respondents also reported having to pay a pet deposit at their current residence, with 36 percent shelling out more than $200 for their four-legged companions.

The survey also found that it is not just Fido and Fifi's owners who enjoy their pet's company; more than 34 percent of respondents said although they do not have a pet, they enjoy living in a pet-friendly building, and 20 percent of non-pet owning renters said they avoid buildings that allow pets.
The top five most popular pets for renters are:

1. Small dog (Under 25 pounds): 35.5 percent
2. Cat: 24.2 percent
3. Large dog (More than 50 pounds): 13.6 percent
4. Medium dog (26 to 50 pounds): 11.0 percent
5. Fish: 4.3 percent

Source: Apartments.com