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Understanding property managers: The perceived benefits and risks of allowing pets in rental units in metro areas in the United States

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https://ir.library.oregonstate.edu/concern/graduate_projects/3n2046618

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  • Pets are reshaping human lifestyles in countries around the world. More people than ever include pets as part of their family. Organizations including the Society for Companion Animal Studies (SCAS) and the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI) have conducted and sponsored a wealth of research into human-companion animal interactions and raised awareness of the importance of pets in families, yet the shortage of suitable and affordable housing for families with pets presents a significant challenge to many within our communities. Much of the research related to pet-friendly housing has focused on the perspective of the pet owner. While this is an important area of study, the role and perspective of property managers, in essence oftentimes the gatekeepers, is equally important. Accordingly, this research explores the perspectives of property owners, managers, and landlords about pet-friendly practices and policies, starting with the research question: How do property managers view pet-friendly housing? Deepening our understanding of the perspectives and concerns of this gatekeeper group can inform interventions designed to build bridges between where we are in terms of pet-friendly housing and where we want to be. This qualitative research consists of twenty in-depth interviews with rental housing operators and executives who are involved with decisions about rental of the units they oversee. These interviews have been conducted in large and midsize urban and suburban areas in the United States. Textual analysis of the interviews reveals six key themes, including: pet ownership trends virtually require rental communities to allow pets; pet-friendliness is in the eyes of the beholder; rental housing operators perceive a range of downsides related to pets in rental communities; pets are not the real problem –irresponsible pet owners are; careful screening processes can be valuable; and rental housing operators lack balanced information about pets in rental housing. The findings from this research are intended to contribute fresh insights to the discussion about pets and housing and to inform future research, policies, and best practices that will better align the needs of pet owners with the concerns of and resources available to rental housing operators. Better insight into these issues should lead to mutually beneficial solutions that allow for suitable pet-friendly homes for pet owners; positive economic outcomes for rental housing operators; and rental housing environments enhanced by the social capital that pets contribute through their presence in the broader community.
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