Only 15.91 per cent of rental listings in Australia are pet-friendly, with those properties costing, on average, 7.51 per cent more than rentals that don’t allow animals.

The study by Budget Pet Products examined more than 17,000 listings on Realestate.com.au across 20 cities, highlighting growing pressure on pet-owning renters amid a tightening rental market and a rise in so-called “pet-bidding”.

Karla VanDepol, Director of Budget Pet Products, said they believe everyone should be able to enjoy the companionship of a pet without facing extra financial stress.

“Many renters are now dealing with what we call the ‘property pet tax’, paying noticeably higher rent just to keep their pets. This added burden makes it tough for pet owners, especially in cities like Sydney, to hold onto their beloved animals.

“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.”

Sydney had the highest rental “pet tax”, with pet-inclusive properties listed at 25 per cent more – around $270 extra per week – compared to non-pet listings. Newcastle and Launceston followed with 22 per cent and 14 per cent premiums respectively.

Pet-friendly rental options were found to be most accessible in regional cities. Townsville topped the list, with 27 per cent of listings welcoming pets, followed by Logan City and Darwin, where nearly one-third of properties accepted animals.

In contrast, major urban centres offered fewer options. Sydney and Melbourne had some of the lowest rates, with just 12 per cent and 7 per cent of rentals respectively allowing pets. Canberra and Newcastle also fell below the 16 per cent mark.

Not all cities penalised pet ownership. In Bendigo, Perth and Wollongong, pet-friendly properties were actually cheaper. Bendigo offered the largest discount, with pet-welcoming rentals listed at 10 per cent less than non-pet properties, saving renters about $58 per week.

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