Latest data indicates a substantial rise in tenants moving property in order to accommodate a pet and a decline in renters who are prioritising homes with more outdoor space.

Around a thousand tenants who had moved property between October 2021 and March 2022 took part in the Deposit Protection Service’s (DPS) 2022 tenant survey, with 30% saying that they had done so to accommodate a pet – making it the most common reason for moving.

Last year, only 7% cited pets as the most significant influence over their decision to move, making it the least common factor.

Conversely, in this year’s survey just 11% of respondents cited ‘more outdoor space’ as the reason for their move, making it the least common influence over their decision.

Last year 18% said that outdoor space was the most important factor in their move.

Matt Trevett, managing director at the DPS, said: “The easing of restrictions earlier this year means that tenants are typically not as interested in moving away from cities to more rural or suburban areas as they understandably were during the height of the pandemic.

“However, it’s interesting to see that the reported popularity of pets during the lockdown period seems to be having a continued influence over tenants’ priorities.

“The present high level of demand for rental properties means that tenants who secure homes that allow pets typically stay for longer, resulting in more certainty for both tenant and landlord.

“Tenants should however understand and respect any obligations that come with having a pet and consider what changes they may need to make to meet a ‘pet-friendly’ tenancy agreement, which may reduce the chances of issues when they move out.”