'Property pet tax' adds pressure on renters in competitive markets
Only 15.9% of rental properties in Australia allow pets, and those listings tend to cost renters significantly more, a new analysis has found.
The study, conducted by Budget Pet Products, reviewed over 17,000 listings on realestate.com.au across 20 Australian cities. It found that pet-friendly rentals were, on average, 7.5% more expensive than comparable properties that prohibit animals, adding to financial pressures already facing tenants.
“Many renters are now dealing with what we call the ‘property pet tax’, paying noticeably higher rent just to keep their pets,” said Karla VanDepol, director of Budget Pet Products. “This added burden makes it tough for pet owners, especially in cities like Sydney, to hold onto their beloved animals.”
According to the report, Sydney renters paid the highest premium, with pet-friendly properties listed at 25% more – about $270 extra per week – than non-pet listings. Newcastle and Launceston also recorded significant gaps, with premiums of 22% and 14%, respectively.
VanDepol added that the findings highlight a need for change in rental policies. “Landlords have a real opportunity to make a difference by adopting more pet-friendly policies, making renting with pets a realistic option for more Australians,” he said.
Pet-friendly listings were more common in regional areas. Townsville had the highest proportion of rentals allowing pets, at 27%, followed by Logan City and Darwin, where nearly a third of listings permitted animals.
Capital cities offered fewer choices for pet owners. Sydney and Melbourne had some of the lowest rates, at just 12% and 7%, respectively. Canberra and Newcastle also fell below the national average.
The report also found that not all cities charged a premium for allowing pets. In Bendigo, Perth and Wollongong, pet-inclusive rentals were actually cheaper. Bendigo stood out with a 10% discount, translating to about $58 in weekly savings for tenants with pets.
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