PetScreening recently released their 2026 State of Pets in Rental Housing Report, examining pet-related trends in the rental housing industry. The report is based on responses from 673 property managers and leasing professionals across multifamily and single-family housing. While 71% of U.S. households own a pet, only 43% of renters report having one, highlighting a gap the report seeks to explain. Interestingly, the report also suggests that the difference between national pet ownership rates and reported renter pet ownership may be partly due to unreported or unauthorized pets in rental properties.
The findings show that 81% of housing operators have seen pet ownership increase, and 68% consider their properties pet-friendly, suggesting the industry is becoming more accommodating to renters with pets. They say property managers still face operational challenges, particularly unauthorized pets and pet-related property damage, which remain among the most common concerns.
According to PetScreening founder and CEO John Bradford, welcoming pets can provide clear advantages for rental communities when supported by effective policies and management strategies. Pet-inclusive communities can attract a larger pool of potential residents, improve tenant retention, and generate additional revenue through pet-related fees.
Click here to read the full report at PetScreening.
