The real estate industry is constantly evolving to meet the needs of both buyers and renters. As people’s lifestyles change, so do their requirements when it comes to housing. One trend that has been growing significantly is the demand for pet-friendly rental properties. With more people adopting pets, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for rental properties that allow pets has surged. To accommodate this demand, Multiple Listing Service (MLS) platforms must evolve to include filters specifically for pet-friendly rentals. This article will explore the importance of pet-friendly rental filters in MLS systems, how they can benefit both landlords and tenants and the best practices for implementing them.
The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Rentals
Over the past few years, the number of pet owners in the United States and other parts of the world has steadily increased. According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), nearly 70% of U.S. households own a pet, with dogs and cats being the most popular choices. Many of these pet owners are renters, as homeownership may not be a feasible option for everyone. However, finding a rental property that allows pets can be a significant challenge.
One of the most common complaints among renters is the difficulty of finding a place that welcomes their furry companions. Some properties have strict no-pet policies, while others may allow pets but charge exorbitant pet fees or impose weight restrictions that limit the types of pets a tenant can have.
The demand for pet-friendly rentals has been increasing as pet ownership continues to rise. As a result, there is a significant opportunity for landlords and real estate professionals to meet this demand by offering properties that cater to pet owners. A pet-friendly rental filter in MLS systems is a valuable tool for making the search process easier for renters and helping landlords attract a broader range of tenants.
The Importance of Pet-Friendly Rental Filters
Enhancing the Rental Search Process
Without pet-friendly filters, renters with pets often waste time browsing listings only to find out that pets are not allowed or that the property has strict pet restrictions. By including a pet-friendly filter in MLS systems, renters can easily narrow down their search to properties that are open to pets, saving time and effort in the process.
Pet-friendly filters allow renters to specify what type of pet they have (e.g., dogs, cats, or other animals) and whether there are any restrictions, such as weight limits, breed restrictions, or the number of pets allowed. This makes the search process much more efficient and convenient for potential tenants.
Expanding the Tenant Pool for Landlords
Landlords who include pet-friendly policies in their rental properties often attract a wider range of tenants. Given the high demand for pet-friendly properties, property owners who are willing to accommodate pets have a competitive advantage in the rental market. Adding a pet-friendly filter to their MLS listings ensures that pet-owning renters can easily find their property and are more likely to inquire about it.
Furthermore, landlords may also be able to charge pet rent, pet deposits, or other pet-related fees to help cover any potential damage caused by pets. By making their properties accessible to pet owners, landlords can generate additional revenue while ensuring a steady stream of applicants.
Improving Tenant Satisfaction and Retention
For pet owners, finding a rental property that allows pets is a major concern. When they finally find a property that meets their needs, they are often more likely to stay longer, which benefits landlords in the long run. Pet owners are also typically more responsible and committed to their living arrangements because they are emotionally attached to their pets and want to ensure their pets are comfortable in their home.
By offering pet-friendly rentals, landlords foster goodwill and build long-term relationships with their tenants. Happy, satisfied tenants are less likely to move out, reducing turnover rates and minimizing the costs associated with re-renting the property.
Key Features of Pet-Friendly Rental Filters
Pet Type and Size
One of the first things renters may want to specify is the type of pet they own. While many properties allow cats and dogs, some may have restrictions on exotic animals or certain types of pets. By incorporating a filter that allows renters to specify whether they have cats, dogs, birds, or other pets, MLS platforms can help renters find properties that are truly suitable for their needs.
Additionally, size limitations can be crucial for pet owners. Some properties may have weight limits for pets (for example, no dogs over 50 pounds). A pet-friendly filter that allows renters to specify their pet’s size ensures they only see listings that are relevant to their situation.
Breed Restrictions
Certain rental properties may have breed restrictions, particularly for dogs. Some landlords or property managers may have concerns about aggressive breeds, which could make them hesitant to rent to tenants with certain types of dogs. A pet-friendly filter that allows landlords to specify whether breed restrictions exist is an important feature for both renters and property owners. It helps renters avoid wasting time on properties that won’t accept their specific breed and helps landlords protect their property by ensuring tenants are fully aware of any breed limitations.
Pet Deposits and Fees
Landlords often charge additional fees for renters with pets, such as pet deposits or pet rent. A pet-friendly filter in MLS systems can include these additional costs in the listing information so that renters are aware of any financial requirements upfront. This can include:
- Pet deposit: A one-time, refundable deposit to cover potential pet-related damages.
- Pet rent: An additional monthly fee for tenants with pets.
- Pet insurance: Some landlords may require renters to have pet insurance in case of damages caused by the pet.
Including these fees in the MLS listing ensures transparency and allows renters to factor these costs into their decision-making process.
Outdoor Space and Pet Amenities
Pets, especially dogs, often require outdoor space for exercise and play. Including a filter for properties with outdoor amenities, such as fenced yards, pet-friendly parks, or access to walking trails, can help renters find the right property for their pets. This filter can also include details about communal pet spaces or pet grooming stations, which are increasingly popular in apartment complexes or multi-family properties.
Pet-Friendly Communities
For renters who own multiple pets or need specific accommodations for their pets, MLS systems can include listings for pet-friendly communities or apartment complexes that specialize in housing pet owners. These communities may offer additional features, such as dog parks, pet events, and pet care services, which can be a major selling point for tenants.
Best Practices for MLS Providers
To ensure the MLS system works effectively for both landlords and pet owners, MLS platforms should consider implementing the following best practices:
- Regularly update pet policies: Ensure that landlords update their pet policies in the MLS to reflect any changes. This helps to keep the information accurate and up to date for potential tenants.
- Clear and transparent pet policies: Landlords should provide clear guidelines regarding the types of pets allowed, weight limits, breed restrictions, and any additional pet-related fees. Transparency is key in attracting the right tenants.
- User-friendly interface: MLS platforms should design pet-friendly rental filters to be intuitive and easy to use. This helps both renters and landlords navigate the system more efficiently and find the properties or tenants that meet their needs.
Conclusion
As pet ownership continues to rise, the demand for pet-friendly rental properties is only going to grow. MLS platforms have the opportunity to cater to this demand by adding specific filters for pet-friendly rentals. By doing so, they can enhance the rental search process for pet owners, expand the tenant pool for landlords, and improve tenant satisfaction and retention. With the right features in place, MLS systems can become an essential tool for connecting pet owners with rental properties that meet their unique needs.
