Many property owners ask themselves: should I rent my property to tenants with pets? The short answer is yes, if you take care of five key things. Requiring renters insurance, screening for aggressive breeds, and understanding the market data can help you make a smart decision. About 71% of U.S. households own a pet, so saying no to pets means turning away a large group of renters. Pet Ownership Statistics 2026
Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Make Sense
Allowing pets can help you fill vacancies faster, keep tenants longer, and increase your rental income. Here is what the data shows.
1. Require Renters Insurance with Pet Liability Coverage
Renters insurance helps protect you if a pet causes injury or property damage. Most standard renters policies include liability coverage for pet-related incidents, but some exclude certain breeds. Make sure your tenant has a policy that covers their specific pet, especially if it is a breed often labeled as aggressive. Dog Breeds & Homeowners Insurance
2. Screen for Aggressive Breeds or Require Additional Coverage
Insurance companies often restrict or deny coverage for breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Akitas, and others. If your tenant has one of these breeds, ask for proof of additional liability coverage or a specialized pet liability policy. This step helps you manage risk while still opening your property to more renters. Dog Bites and Attacks
3. Understand the Pet Ownership Market
About 71% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the 2024–2025 National Pet Owners Survey. The claim that 70% of tenants have pets is close to this number and is commonly used in rental marketing, but you may want to confirm the exact figure for your local market. A large renter pool means more applications and better chances of finding a reliable tenant. Facts + Statistics: Pet Ownership and Insurance
4. Tenants with Pets Stay Longer
Tenants with pets tend to stay in their rentals longer than tenants without pets. Studies show that pet-friendly rentals see lower turnover, with tenants staying up to 21 percent longer on average. Some research reports even longer stays, with pet-owning tenants remaining in their homes for 23 to 46 months compared to 15 to 18 months for non-pet owners. Longer tenancies mean less turnover, fewer vacancy periods, and lower marketing costs for you. Pets in Rental Housing 2025 Outlook
5. Higher Rent Potential
Pet-friendly rentals can charge more in rent. Research shows that landlords who allow pets without restrictions enjoy an 11.6% rental premium over those who do not. Other studies found rent premiums between 20% and 30% for pet-friendly units, while more recent data shows pet-friendly apartments cost about 12% more on average. The average pet rent in the U.S. is $35.65 per month in 2025, which adds up to meaningful extra income over a full lease term. Even conservative estimates show that allowing pets can boost your income while reducing vacancy risk. Pet-Friendly Rentals Increase Profitability
North and South Carolina Landlord Considerations
In North Carolina and South Carolina, landlords can set their own pet policies. There are no statewide laws that force you to allow pets, but you must follow fair housing rules for service animals and emotional support animals. You can still require renters insurance, pet deposits, or additional fees, as long as your lease terms are clear and lawful.
Conclusion
If you want help creating a pet-friendly rental strategy that protects your property and grows your income, contact Carolina Property Management. Call 704-464-3931 or visit carolinapropertymanagement.com to learn more.
FAQ
Do I have to allow pets in my rental property?
No. In North Carolina and South Carolina, landlords can choose whether to allow pets. However, you must allow service animals and emotional support animals under fair housing laws. Fair Housing Project
What should I look for in a renters insurance policy?
Make sure the policy includes liability coverage for pet-related incidents. If the tenant has a breed that insurers often restrict, ask for proof of additional coverage or a specialized pet liability policy. Dog Breeds & Homeowners Insurance
Which dog breeds are often restricted by insurance?
Commonly restricted breeds include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Dobermans, Akitas, Great Danes, Huskies, and others. Dog Breeds & Homeowners Insurance
Will allowing pets increase my rental income?
Yes. Studies show pet-friendly rentals can charge higher rent and earn more annually. Pet-Friendly Rentals Increase Profitability
Do tenants with pets stay longer?
Yes. Research shows tenants in pet-friendly rentals stayed an average of 46 months, compared to 18 months in non-pet-friendly rentals.
What percentage of renters have pets?
About 71% of U.S. households own a pet, according to the 2024–2025 National Pet Owners Survey. The 70% figure is commonly used in rental marketing and is close to this national estimate. Pet Ownership Statistics 2026
Can I charge a pet deposit or pet rent?
Yes. In North Carolina and South Carolina, landlords can charge pet deposits, pet fees, or monthly pet rent, as long as the terms are written in the lease.
What if the pet causes damage?
A pet deposit or fee can help cover cleaning or repair costs. Renters insurance with pet liability coverage can also protect you if the pet causes injury or damage to others.
