Renters are modern. They expect to be able to manage their lives from the palm of their hand, and that includes their living spaces and rental experience. Today’s renters demand flexibility, affordability and options. They want it provided by their apartment community — and they want it now.
Creating a pet-friendly community isn’t as easy as simply reducing restrictions and allowing a free-for-all atmosphere. A measured approach is required, and the suggestions above will help ensure that properties are not only pet-friendly, but pet-responsible, as well.
There are multiple facets to pet-inclusivity, beginning with pet-friendly policies and regulations. By establishing clear and concise pet policies, operators set the foundation for a harmonious coexistence between associates, pet owners and non-pet owners.
Apartment communities have become very creative when it comes to keeping their current residents. Soft renewal-rate increases, promises of more resident events, the implementation of cutting-edge smart home features, property upgrades, and flexible lease terms are among the items offered.
While most rental housing operators do allow some pets, there is clearly a significant disconnect between operators and pet-owning renters. There are very simple reasons for this disconnect: abundant breed restrictions, significant size and pets-per-unit restrictions, and ever-increasing pet fees.
Many apartment operators have worked diligently to improve their pet-friendliness levels. And if pet friendliness wasn’t already a primary focus, it definitely should be now. New data indicates that the well-documented spike in pet adoption during the pandemic has made an impact in the apartment world.