Pets and multifamily

Pet-friendliness is one of the ultimate differentiators at rental communities, and the difference is obvious the moment you walk a truly pet-inclusive property. Communities that embrace this reality benefit from stronger renewal rates, more engaged residents and an environment that feels welcoming to a wider pool of renters.

PetScreening, the rental housing industry's leading pet screening, assistance animal compliance and pet policy management platform, today announced it has released the 2026 State of Pets in Rental Housing Report, an in-depth examination of pet-related trends in the industry.

PetScreening®, which offers the rental housing industry's first and leading pet policy management software at no charge to property owners and managers, today announced it has released The State of Pets in Rental Housing Report, a detailed look at current pet-related trends and challenges in the rental-housing industry.

Welcoming pets is essentially a requirement these days for any rental community aiming to attract the general population. Otherwise, only 34% of households—those of the pet-free variety—would be eligible to live there. While opening the doors to furry friends is a noble first step, property teams have much…

It’s no secret that pet-friendliness has become more of a glaring priority for apartment owners and operators, particularly over the past five years. Judging by the tendencies of younger generations, that trend is showing no signs of tapering. In fact, it will only become more prominent moving forward.

Pets not only are present in designated pet areas—they’ll also regularly traverse a property’s other outdoor spaces and common areas. Naturally, they also spend many hours within the apartment home in which they reside. More pet activity in those spaces creates more chances for damage.

Crafting the ideal pet policy for your portfolio can be a challenging undertaking. On one hand, you have today’s renters, who are more passionate about their pets than ever. According to a 2023 survey by Cortland, pet policies are the top consideration for dog-owning apartment residents.

Part of the reason the industry fell behind on the pet-friendliness meter is due to standardized policies, many of them antiquated and replete with many of the restrictions and concepts mentioned above. A perfect pet policy is one that covers the general bases above as well as the…