There’s more evidence today that pet-friendly properties are becoming increasingly popular with tenants. 

A study by specialist lender Landbay quizzed 2,000 tenants and discovered that some 14 per cent of them rated ‘pets being allowed in the property’ as their most important requirement. 

That figure nearly doubles in the North East (27 per cent) but shrinks to just three per cent of renters in London. Women are more than twice as likely as men to prioritise a pet-friendly property.

A home which is unfurnished comes second, with 12 per cent of renters saying this is the most desirable attribute. Predictably, renters aged 55 and above are five times more likely to consider an unfurnished property as crucially important than those aged between 18 and 34.

A garden was third most important, with 11 per cent of renters rating outdoor space as their most important attribute. Off-street parking and the quality of a property’s décor came fourth and fifth respectively.

Having a dryer, a king-sized bed, a balcony or a dishwasher polled just one per cent each, while just two per cent of private renters consider a new build property as a priority.

“Landbay is investing in a research series to help landlords understand tenants and opportunities within the private rental sector. Landlords knowing what renters want can make for a happier, more prosperous relationship which benefits both parties in the long run” says a spokeswoman for the lender.