Press Release: Urban Renters With Pets Pay 3.5% More And Have 1/3 Fewer Apartments To Choose From Than Renters Without Pets, According to HotPads Analysis

SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban renters who own pets pay an average of 3.5 percent more for a pet-friendly apartment rental than renters without a furry tenant, according to a HotPads® rental analysis.

HotPads, a Zillow® (NASDAQ: Z) company, compiled rental data from apartment buildings in 13 major metropolitan areas across the nation, revealing insights into both the affordability and availability of pet-friendly rentals.

Rental Affordability For Pet Owners By Major Metropolitan Area

The data compiled by HotPads shows that renters with pets can pay drastically more in rent each month depending on where they live in the U.S. In Manhattan, renters pay an average of $300 more per month than renters without pets, while renters in Los Angelestypically don't pay any additional cost.

In metros where the average cost of pet-friendly apartments is less than other apartments, it is likely that buildings where pets are welcome tend to be older, or have fewer amenities, and are already priced lower.

Rental Premiums for Pet Owners Based on Metro Area*
	% Rent Premium	$ Rent Premium
Atlanta, GA	19%	$164.75
Queens, NY	11.8%	$205.63
San Francisco, CA	11.6%	$153.63
Washington DC	11.5%	$183.75
Manhattan, NY	9.2%	$312.25
Philadelphia, PA	3.5%	$53.75
Houston, TX	1.6%	$9.25
Chicago, IL	1%	$2.50
Brooklyn, NY	-1.4%	-$50.00
Boston, MA	-2.6%	-$65.63
Dallas-Fort Worth, TX	-3.8%	-$96.13
Los Angeles, CA	-5.8%	-$145.38
Miami-Fort Lauderdale, FL	-10.7%	-$197.50
*The figures above include only the monthly cost of the rental unit. No additional pet costs such as pet deposits, dog walking services or pet food were included. See full report here.

Rental Availability For Pet Owners

In addition to data around the affordability of renting with pets, HotPads also compiled data exploring the availability of rental listings marketed specifically as "pet-friendly" in metropolitans.

"Owning a pet almost always presents a challenge when it comes to apartment hunting, whether it means fewer choices in rentals or spending more on rent," said John Doherty, HotPads' Senior Marketing Manager and owner of a 72-lb Labrador. "But pet lovers will have a much easier time in an areas like Dallas, and they can expect to pay almost no added premium in Chicago."

Top 10 Metro Areas Ranked By Number of Pet Friendly Rental Listings*  

1. Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
2. Atlanta, GA
3. Houston, TX
4. Washington D.C
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. Los Angeles, CA
7. Boston, MA
8. Miami-Ft. Lauderdale, FL
9. New York, NY
10. Chicago, IL

* Click here to see the full HotPads report and methodology.

To see how your city, neighborhood or zip code stacks up in pet-friendliness by rental availability, check out the full HotPads reportand interactive map here.

About HotPads®

At HotPads, we think that it should be easier to find your next place. That's why we've built the most comprehensive and interactive rental search marketplace. HotPads combines powerful search tools, layers of data, and an innovative user interface. We're simplifying the rental search process and helping renters make smarter decisions about renting. Our map-based search gives users access to the best rentals on the market.  HotPads is part of the Zillow, Inc. portfolio of brands.  The company is based in San Francisco. 

Zillow and HotPads are registered trademarks of Zillow, Inc.

SOURCE HotPads

RELATED LINKS
http://hotpads.com