Tag Archives: pets in apartments

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Pets and Rental Properties: The Great Debate

Should your property be pet friendly?

pets

A while back on the Tenant File Property Management Software Blog we covered the things you need to be aware of when you’re screening pet owners as potential tenants (check it out here). Now, don’t think that making your property pet friendly is going to cause you problems! There are quite a few benefits to allowing your tenants to bring their furry friends as roommates.

Landlords constantly question whether or not they should make rental properties pet friendly. Though many agree that this just opens the door for destruction of property, there are benefits that come with allowing tenants to have pets. If you limit yourself to only allowing people with no dogs or cats, your pool of possible tenants is significantly smaller. It is no secret that most pet owners are very fond of their four-legged friends; they become like children to them, feeding and loving them, and most importantly giving them a home. Because the owners also act as parents in a sense, you know that they’re responsible and capable of taking your home. You won’t have to worry about the house being destroyed. This also brings up the issue of the security deposit, something that definitely works to the landlords advantage. If you allow pets you’re entitled to asking for a bigger security deposit (kind of like a pet fee) or even ask for a bit more monthly rent.

The question of pets or no pets becomes a huge ultimatum for potential tenants- they aren’t going to make the move if their pet can’t too. Being a pet-friendly rental property gives you a huge advantage in the market because many properties do not allow pets so they’re automatically written off as an option to those looking to move. Though it is a big decision to make, making your property pet friendly is definitely you should consider!

New User Questions

Should You Allow Pet Owners As Tenants?

dog

Renting out property is time-consuming enough as it is. Pets are just one additional factor that many landlords do not have time to deal with, which is understandable if you have property that is easily damaged. However, it might be to your advantage to allow pet owners as tenants. But this is all a case-by-case basis. Here are some pointers when screening pet owners:

Aggression

Any landlord that allows pet-owners will have almost no trouble allowing pets like cats and birds. Dogs are a completely different issue. Their aggression varies based on their breed and training. Allowing all pet owners except for dog owners can hurt your business. So it is best to screen dog owners on a case-by-case basis. Research the breed before meeting the prospect in order to prepare yourself.

Noise

The noise factor is critical to potential furry tenants. Again, this is a case-by-case basis. But this time it all depends on the kind of property you rent out. If this property is separated from the next property over, this should not be an issue. If you own an apartment complex, this factor makes screening more complicated. When interviewing your tenant and their pet, be wary. Your expectation of noise level based on the dog’s size might not match up with reality.

Temperament

Screening the pet in addition to their owners is crucial to the approval process. Do not go by what the owner tells you about their pride and joy. Communicate to the prospect to bring their pet to your first initial meeting. It could be clear within the first few minutes what kind of temperament their pet has. Of course, your rental, its furnishings, and the security deposit come into play while making a judgment on the pet.

Allowing pet owners as a tenant of yours is completely subjective to you and how you run your business. There’s no national standard on pets inside rentals. Use your own discretion.