Offering something that others don’t, such as amenities, is what makes your rental property stand out in the market. It’s not always about the rent price, because tenants are willing to pay more if it means that their needs are met. However, there is something else that could hinder your business, and it boils down to a simple policy.
People Are Opting for Pet-Friendly Rental Properties
Did you know that about 55% of renters have a pet? That’s a tenant pool you cannot market to because of a simple policy. Around 31% of them have dogs, and the other 22% have cats. With the way humans bond with their furry friends, it’s not hard to guess how much tenants are willing to adjust for them.
In fact, a Zillow study states that 43% of pet owners are willing to move to accommodate their pet, and another percentage of those will likely look elsewhere if the pet-friendly rental properties lack the amenities needed to care for the animals.
Before You Allow Pets In Your Rental
Allowing pets is a good idea, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore restrictions altogether. Setting down rules will protect you and other tenants from potential risks, as well as minimize incidents that may cost the parties involved.
Size and Breed Restrictions
Some pet types and breeds may be too big for your rental property, and can cause safety concerns. A Pug, for example, will cause smaller problems than a Doberman would. Some of the most common dog breeds that landlords restrict are:
- Dobermans
- Great Danes
- Rottweilers
- Akitas
- English Mastiffs
- German Shepherds
- Chow Chows
- Siberian Huskies
- Alaskan Malamutes
Exotic pets may also be prohibited, such as:
- Non-Domesticated Canines
- Wild Cats
- Large Snakes
- Big Reptiles
Pet Screening
Screening a potential tenant’s pet will allow you to verify history and behavior. Will they disrupt the living environment? Are they healthy enough to mingle with other pets? Do they exhibit destructive behavior?
An interview will let you assess the pet and the pet owner in person, but you should still ask for records, like vaccinations, anti-tick and flea medication, and other necessary measures to ensure health. If you want a more thorough review, you can always hire pet screening services.
Pet Fees
Set the necessary fees to cover the pets. One option is a pet deposit, which you can return if there is no need for it, and a flat pet fee, which is a non-refundable charge you can use for maintenance and repairs for damages caused by the pets.
Pet fees are generally smaller in amount since tenants cannot ask for them back. It can range from $100 to $400, whereas pet deposits can go from $100 to $600. It eventually depends on the rental unit and the cost of the furnishings.
Pet Rent
Pet rent is exactly how it sounds. A monthly pet rent will be used to compensate for the additional wear and tear brought by the pets, such as stains, scratches, or other forms of damage. You can charge both pet rent and the additional fees, as long as they are reasonable amounts.
Landlords generally charge between $25 and $50, although that could vary depending on the rental rate of your property. It’s also important to always disclose these fees in the rental or lease agreement for transparency.
Outlining Pet Rules and Responsibilities
Your tenant should be aware of what their responsibilities are regarding their pets, along with the rules they have to follow. Picking up after their pets, for instance, is the most common rule in pet policies. Specify which common areas they’re allowed in.
Gardens, for example, are prone to damage from digging, and the pets may ingest toxic materials or chemicals. It’s also ideal to set quiet hours so pet noises can be kept to a minimum and avoid disrupting other tenants.
Specify Lease Violation Consequences
Should your tenant fail to follow the lease terms you set, they should be aware of the potential consequences. Fines, mandatory pet removal, or lease termination are the typical responses. You can implement other punishments, but be sure you remain fair.
As for what constitutes policy violations, they can be unauthorized pets, repeated noise complaints, excessive property damage, or pet-caused harm to other tenants. Basically, anything that causes harm, distress, or discomfort to you or your other tenants.
Pet Amenities You Can Add
- Pet Relief Areas: You can provide a designated area where pets can relieve themselves to avoid messes, and so your tenants won’t have to walk too far. The outdoor space would also prevent bad odors from being trapped indoors.
- Pet Washing Stations: The last thing you want is muddy paw prints on your floors. A washing or grooming station can help you reduce messes, as well as prevent drain clogging, since they are not designed for pet hair.
- Play Area: A lot of pets need a wide area where they can run and mingle with other pets. A fenced yard or a playroom will suffice, especially if the pets in your rental property are relatively small.
- Partnerships with Local Vets: Cats and dogs need to get checkups or vaccinations regularly, so it would be great to make it easier for your tenants to access these services. You can partner with veterinary clinics for home service checkups or grooming, as well as delivery for necessities like pet food and accessories.
Pet-Friendly Rental Property FAQs
What are the main benefits of being a pet-friendly rental business?
- You’ll attract more tenants since many would prefer pet-friendly rental units, and are willing to look elsewhere if you cannot accommodate their pets.
What are the risks of being a pet-friendly rental business?
- The main drawbacks are property damage and tenant complaints, but all those can be mitigated by screening the pets first, as well as outlining rules for the pet owners.
Which pet breeds should I restrict from my property?
- Larger breeds of dogs like Rottweilers, Akitas, German Shepherds, and Siberian Huskies are commonly banned from rental properties, along with exotic animals like snakes or wild cats.
What’s the difference between pet fees and pet rent?
- Pet fees or pet deposits are amounts that a tenant is charged once. The former is non-refundable while the latter is. It can cover costs for excessive property damage or other incidents. Pet rent is a fee they have to pay along with their usual rent, which usually covers additional maintenance and repairs for wear and tear.
Do emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals count as pets?
- No. Under the Fair Housing Act, service and emotional support animals are not considered pets. Landlords must accommodate them without charging additional fees or deposits.
Vigilant Screening and Enforcement of Lease Rules
While allowing pets can put you at an advantage, you need to establish certain measures in place to prevent issues from arising. There’s a reason why some rental businesses don’t allow pets, but the risks can be mitigated with vigilant property management.
Here at Area Texas Realty & Management, we can help you screen potential tenants and their pets, as well as enforce lease rules to ensure a peaceful living environment for everyone in the rental property.
We want this to work out for you, so let us help. Contact us, and learn more about our services!
