For some people, pets are family, so they take their furry companions everywhere. Their attachment to their pets can be a make-or-break deal when it comes to choosing a place to rent.
Many landlords have strict rules for pets on a rental property premises, and some landlords do not allow them on their property. Allowing pets in rentals is a decision you need to make, and you should have some guidelines in place for renters with pets.
How to handle pets your rental leases
When interviewing potential renters, it’s essential to be transparent and ask them if they have pets or plan to own a pet. That way, you can prepare a formal lease contract for them with their furry friends in mind.
You need to consider some essential points if you plan to rent a property that allows pets to make sure your current insurance policy covers any pet damage to your property. Dog damage to a rental property is the most common problem for landlords with rented properties that allow pets.
Renters with dogs tend to be very aware of the consequences these types of damage can have on their current lease.
Pros of allowing pets in your rental property
Landlords need to weigh the disadvantages and benefits of allowing renters with pets to occupy a rental apartment or home.
Higher rents
Landlords who allow pets in their rental property can charge additional nonrefundable pet fees, pet deposits, or special pet rent charges. Since not every rental property in an area may offer pet-friendly accommodations, renters with pets do not always have a selection of rental properties from which to choose. Depending on the number of pets, the type of pets, and the size of pets, landlords may be able to charge higher rental fees.
More interested renters
Did you know that approximately 72% of renters have pets, according to The Humane Society of the United States? This percentage brings a larger pool of potentially interested individuals who may be interested in considering your rental property.
Responsible owners
In general, pet owners can be responsible people who treat their pets like family members, or even better. You can screen candidates and gauge their level of responsibility toward the property they are renting from you.
Renters are more likely to stay
Depending on the location, renters with fewer options for places to live with their pets may mean that pet owners renting your property may be likely to renew their lease and stay for an extended period.
Cons of allowing pets in your rental property
Property damage
Before you decide to allow any pet onto your property, know that animals are capable of damaging a rental property, especially if renters have young animals like puppies that tend to chew a lot. These animals can leave scratch marks on floors, signs of chewing on wood, and stains on surfaces inside your rental property. Make sure you have the right tools to protect your property from these damages before you agree to let pets in.
Neighbor disturbance
If you have strict rules about disturbance issues, some renters with pets may not respond well to these rules. If you are willing to be flexible in some capacities, check with prospective renters that their pets will not disturb your neighbors with their behavior or unpleasant odors.
Allergic reactions
You will also need to determine where you are allergic to the pets yourself. This point is significant if you’re renting an apartment. Some breeds of dogs and cats tend to shed their hair, which can cause allergies for individuals who are sensitive to pet hair.
Pet noises
Ensure that the pet owners can bring pet noises under control. Stipulate in your rental agreement the degree of noise noises you’re willing to tolerate on your property.
Possible injuries
Be careful with possible pet-related injuries that may occur on your property. You can request that your renters have insurance that covers animal bites that could occur on your property.
How to screen renters with pets
Before doing research or background check, such as reviewing references with previous landlords, you can interview the pet owners themselves. Through an interview, you should be able to tell how responsible a pet owner is, how the pet (such as dogs) behaves with the person, and whether you can trust the individual and the pet.
Some people may consider certain breeds of dogs as being more aggressive than others. Seeing them with their owners can give you clues about the animals’ behavior. Look for signs of good pet parenting. Meet both the pets and their owners in person to confirm their behavior, especially around other people.
You can also ask renters specific questions about their pets to know more about them. Questions about the pet (such as age, vaccination status, and how the animals act around other pets), or about the owners (for example, how long a couple has owned a pet) will help you make the right decision for your property.
In addition, you can use a renter screening tool to help you assess a prospective renter.
Final considerations for pets in your rental property
If the renter requires a service or emotional animal for support, make sure the individual discloses this need before you sign a rental agreement. Provide the renter with a property that can be considered a reasonable accommodation.
You can require pets to be spayed or neutered to comply with local regulations or your preferences for your property. Make sure your lease agreement clearly notes this point to avoid any confusion.
Now that you know about some of the considerations for pets in a rental property, you can ensure you’re making the best rental decisions for your needs.
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