Pet-Friendly Rentals: Why Loosening Your Pet Policy Can Cut Vacancy Time

In today’s rental market, pet ownership has soared, yet many Boston landlords are still reluctant to allow animals. That hesitation can be costly. By opening your doors to tenants with pets, you can dramatically shorten vacancy periods, increase tenant loyalty, and create a more stable, profitable rental business. With September here and new legislation reshaping the rental landscape, now is the perfect time to consider loosening your pet policy and listing your unit as a pet-friendly Boston apartment.

Pet Owners Stay Longer — Stronger Retention, Less Turnover

Pet owners tend to settle in and stay put. Studies show that tenants with pets often remain in their rentals for years longer than those without pets. One analysis found that pet owners stayed an average of 63 months, compared to 58 months for non-pet-owning renters, while other research has shown even more dramatic differences. This longevity means fewer move-outs, less time spent advertising and showing units, and fewer make-ready costs between tenants. For landlords who want steady income without the stress of constant turnover, pet-friendly policies are a powerful tool.

Vacancy Slashed in Half – Pet-Friendly Listings Lease Faster

Vacancy is one of the costliest challenges landlords face, and pet-friendly policies can dramatically reduce it. In highly competitive markets, these units attract more attention online, generating higher numbers of views, saves, and inquiries. Every extra day a property sits vacant represents lost revenue, so shaving even a week off your leasing cycle creates a measurable financial advantage over time.

Better Financial Outcomes — More Value, Fewer Costs

There is a common misconception that allowing pets leads to higher costs, but studies reveal a different story. Pet-friendly properties often command higher rents, especially due to lower supply and high demand. Concerns over property damage, while valid, tend to be overstated. If you have a security deposit, you can always recoup the cost of any damages through that.

Shoulder Season Magic – Tap Into Strong Tenant Demand

September marks the beginning of the shoulder season, a time when renter demand remains high but vacancies start creeping upward. This is an ideal time for landlords to stand out in a crowded market. More than half of renters in the U.S. now own pets, with pet ownership rising to 66% in 2024. Yet the majority of landlords don't accept them. This is leaving a large pool of prospective tenants struggling to find homes. By relaxing pet restrictions, landlords can fill vacancies faster and secure leases with tenants who are eager to stay long-term.

Landlord Mental Health & Peace of Mind

The financial advantages of welcoming pets are compelling, but the emotional benefits are equally important. Landlords often experience significant stress from frequent tenant turnover, inconsistent income, and the ongoing process of finding new renters. Renting to tenants with pets can create stability, as pet owners tend to treat their rentals as true homes rather than temporary stops. Many landlords report positive, long-lasting relationships with pet-owning tenants, making the rental experience smoother and more rewarding.

Make Your Rentals Pet-Friendly This Fall

Making your rental pet-friendly doesn’t require a major overhaul. Even allowing cats or small dogs under clear guidelines can widen your tenant pool significantly. Highlighting pet-friendly amenities, such as nearby parks or durable flooring, helps your listing stand out even more. With demand for pet-friendly rentals outpacing supply, embracing this strategy now can help you reduce vacancy, secure reliable tenants, and future-proof your investment.

Conclusion

Pet-friendly rentals aren’t just a perk for animal lovers; they’re a proven business strategy. Landlords who open their doors to tenants with pets often see faster leasing, higher rents, and longer tenant stays, all of which create stability and profitability. With September here and the rental market shifting toward more tenant-friendly policies, this is the perfect time to reconsider your pet policy. This is especially true for landlords in neighborhoods where Real-Time Vacancy Rates are higher than the historical norm, such as Mission Hill, Fort Hill, Fenway, and the Symphony area. By stepping into this space now, you’ll gain an edge over the competition, protect your peace of mind, and strengthen your bottom line.