A lettings agency that works closely with Build To Rent developers says half of the schemes allow pets.

Pet rentals have been a hot topic in recent times and despite the government’s changes to the model tenancy agreement discouraging a blanket ban, agents and landlords are still able to decline an application with good reason.

However, an analysis of BTR units by Ascend Properties – a Manchester based agency – says 49 per cent of all BTR developments are listed as pet friendly, the most prominent lifestyle feature of all those analysed.

The more traditional requirement of parking was the next most prominent feature with 41 per cent of developments offering additional space for a car, with a concierge also ranking high on 34 per cent.

With much of the modern world focussed around online connectivity, and lockdown restrictions increasing this importance in recent times, free Wi-Fi was also a prominent offering across current BTR developments – 28 per cent.

The least widely available BTR features currently include the ability to rent without a deposit (11 per cent) and a roof terrace (seven per cent).

Ascend managing director Ged McPartlin says: “The whole focus of the build to rent sector is centred around creating a long-term rental option that provides the same benefits as homeownership and more. 

“The decision to bring a pet into your home is often a long-term commitment and so it’s great to see the sector is offering an abundance of homes that allow residents to own a pet. 

“This further highlights the long-term, lifestyle focussed offering the sector can provide.”