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An analysis of over 17,000 rentals across the country revealed that just 15.91 per cent are pet-friendly.
These properties also cost an average of 7.51 per cent more than non-pet-friendly rentals.
Sydney was by far the worst offender for this pet tax, with properties marked up 25.04 per cent more to allow for pets.
The number of rentals advertised as pet-friendly totalled 151, while the number that don’t allow pets was 1,274. This means just 11.85 per cent of properties on offer allow for pets.
In Sydney, the average rent price for no-pet properties was $1,077.30. This jumped to $1,347.08 to allow for pets, a $269.78 increase per week.
Newcastle showed similarly poor performance, with pet-friendly properties marked up 22.33 per cent and 16 per cent of advertised properties allowing pets.
Bendigo, on the other hand, recorded a 10.74 per cent decrease in pet-friendly property values. However, just 4.98 per cent of the total allowed for pets.
Townsville was the most pet-friendly city, with 26.62 per cent of rentals advertised as allowing pets and prices 1.81 per cent lower than non-pet-friendly properties.
“We believe everyone should be able to enjoy the companionship of a pet without facing extra financial stress. Beyond the usual costs like food and vet bills, 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. 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.”
