Survey: Most Renters Have Pets, Despite the Restrictions

Despite the fact that the overwhelming majority of renters have pets, the hassle of trying to find a pet-friendly building doesn't have tenants purring. According to a new Apartments.com survey, 75 percent of renters said they own pets (mainly cats and dogs), which is a significant spike from only 43 percent who said so a year ago. But despite that large percentage, most are still finding it difficult to find buildings with pet-friendly options, the survey shows.

The majority of the 1,100 renters surveyed by Apartments.com have encountered strict restrictions as to the types of pets that they're allowed to have in their apartments -- if they're even allowed them at all. More than 60 percent of respondents revealed that they struggled to find pet-friendly accommodations. Of those who did, 63 percent said that they had to pay a one-time "pet deposit" or expensive monthly fees in order to keep their furry friends.

"Clearly, pets are a deal-breaker for many, and apartment buildings with more flexible pet policies will be the ones to attract this growing group of pet-owning renters -- and possibly keep them for a longer period of time," said Tammy Kotula, a spokesperson for Apartments.com. "Nearly all pet owners surveyed said pet policies play a major role in their decision of where to live."

But, according to Kotula, many landlords and animal-free neighbors are increasingly recognizing that pet owners are, for the most part, "responsible and respectful neighbors." Our take is that owning a pet while renting shouldn't be too much of a problem, as long you're willing to cough up the fees -- and refrain from turning your apartment into a pet's wonderland.

See more about pets in apartments:
California Law Bans Landlords From Requiring Declawed, 'Devoiced' Pets
Condo Owner in Dog Fight to Keep 'Prescription Pet'
Snakes, Alligators and Other Exotic Animals Found Inside Brooklyn Apartment

More on AOL Real Estate:
Find homes for rent in your area.
Find out how to calculate mortgage payments.
Find homes for sale in your area.
Find foreclosures in your area.

Follow us on Twitter at @AOLRealEstate or connect with AOL Real Estate on Facebook.