In today’s competitive Charlotte rental market, offering pet-friendly accommodations isn’t just a nice option—it’s becoming essential for property owners looking to maximize their tenant pool and property value.
The Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Rentals
According to recent data from Zillow, the majority of today’s renters are pet owners. In 2023, a substantial 59% of renters reported having at least one pet, with 40% owning at least one dog. These numbers represent a significant increase from 2019, when only 46% of renters had pets and 31% had dogs.
Perhaps more telling is how renters search for their next home: twice as many renters filter their apartment searches for pet-friendly options than for any other amenity on Zillow’s platform—outranking features such as air conditioning, swimming pools, in-unit laundry, and on-site parking.
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Charlotte’s Pet-Friendly Advantage
Charlotte stands out as one of the nation’s most accommodating cities for pet owners, with 75% of rental properties advertised as pet-friendly. This places our city among the top markets in the country, alongside cities like Dallas (79%), Austin (77%), and San Antonio (75%).
For Charlotte property owners, this high percentage represents both an opportunity and a competitive landscape. While the majority of rentals already accept pets, properties with more flexible pet policies may still distinguish themselves in this pet-loving market.
Popular Breeds in Charlotte
While dogs are the most popular pets in apartments nationwide, breed preferences vary by location. In Charlotte specifically, Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers rank as the most popular dog breeds among renters, according to data from pet subscription box provider Bark.
Understanding these preferences can help Charlotte property managers better accommodate their tenant base and make informed decisions about pet policies.
Breed Restrictions and Policy Considerations
While pet-friendly policies are increasingly common in Charlotte, breed restrictions remain a challenge for many renters. Dogs such as pit bulls, bulldogs, and Rottweilers are among the most commonly restricted breeds nationwide.
These restrictions have real consequences: according to a MarketWatch survey, 40% of owners with commonly restricted dog breeds reported difficulty finding affordable housing because of their pets. More concerning, 13% of respondents with restricted breeds reported having to surrender their dogs to secure housing.
Legislative Changes on the Horizon
Some states and municipalities are beginning to address these challenges through legislation that could potentially influence North Carolina’s approach in the future:
While North Carolina hasn’t yet introduced similar legislation, Charlotte property managers should stay informed about evolving regulations that could affect pet policies in the future.
What This Means for Charlotte Property Managers
As pet ownership continues to rise among Charlotte renters, property managers and owners who adapt their policies to accommodate pets can potentially:
Understanding the evolving landscape of pet ownership and tenant preferences is crucial for property management success in Charlotte’s dynamic rental market. For more information, visit Dogs and cats are priority No. 1 for potential renters | Multifamily Dive.
