In today’s wild rental market, something pretty hilarious is happening—people are choosing homes based on their pets’ needs over their plans for kids. Yeah, you read that right. A recent survey by Point2 reveals that renters are way more stressed about where their dog is going to poop than worrying about diapers. The way things are going, the rental market is being reshaped—by wagging tails, not baby strollers.
1. Pets Are The New Babies
Remember when renting a house meant you were prepping for family life? Not anymore. Today’s renters are all about privacy and making sure their pets have plenty of space to run wild. A whopping 69% of renters have pets, and they’re putting “big backyard for Fido” above “room for future nursery” on their must-have list. Landlords, if you’re not rolling out the red carpet for pets, you’re missing the boat.
2. Forget Renovations, Just Let Me Decorate!
Turns out, renters aren’t looking to tear down walls. They just want to throw up a few quirky decorations and call it a day. With over 41% of people not caring if they can renovate and 4% actually preferring rules that say no changes, renters just want a place that looks good without the hassle. So landlords, skip the full-blown remodels—just give them a nice space for their IKEA haul.
3. Give Me The Essentials, Please
Weirdly enough, people are picky about some things. Basic stuff like heating, A/C, and working appliances? Non-negotiable. Nearly 68% of renters are saying, “If it doesn’t have laundry, I’m out.” So, landlords, think function over form—if the fridge doesn’t work, that Instagrammable kitchen won’t save you.
4. Gen Z: Single-Family Home and Chill
Gen Z is out here flipping the script. They’re not bothering with starter apartments—they’re going straight for houses, and they want them now. With pets, of course. They’re skipping the downtown loft and opting for privacy, green living, and having room for a home gym (or at least a yoga mat). And don’t forget—Boomers may still hold the crown for solo renters, but Gen Z is catching up fast.
5. What’s Next for the Rental Market?
As the demand for single-family homes goes up, landlords need to keep up. Renters want privacy, pet-friendly digs, and basic comforts. Meet those needs, and you’ll stay on top in this market that’s being led by paws, not people.
For more on this shift, check out the full Point2 study here!
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