A pet-friendly rental property is an excellent way to attract a more diverse pool of tenants, as many pet owners tend to struggle when searching for accommodations that welcome their pets. However, landlords also need to balance this inclusivity with the need to protect their investment.
Let’s explore a few tips you can follow if you’re thinking about creating pet-friendly rental properties. This way, you can ensure the condition of your property while satisfying your tenants.
Understand the Benefits of Pet-Friendly Policies
Before stepping into the specifics of planning, it’s important to be aware of the benefits that come from having a pet-friendly rental property available.
- Larger Tenant Pool: Allowing pets opens your property to a significant portion of potential tenants who own pets.
- Increased Rental Income: Pet-friendly properties often demand higher rents and can include pet fees, deposits, and rents.
- Longer Tenancy: Pet owners are likely to stay longer due to the difficulty of finding pet-friendly accommodations. This could help in reducing your vacancy rates.
Establish Clear Pet Policies
Allowing pets in your rental units does not mean throwing in the towel when it comes to your rules. The first step in creating a pet-friendly rental property that works is to write out clear and easy-to-understand pet policies. Each point should outline the types of pets allowed, including breed or size restrictions and the number of pets permitted in the unit.
Consider the following when planning out your new policies.
- Pet Deposits and Fees: Charge a pet deposit or pet fee to cover any potential damage the animal may cause in your unit. This deposit can be refundable based on the condition of the property at the end of the tenancy.
- Pet Rent: Consider charging a small monthly pet rent. This can help cover the cost of additional wear and tear on the property.
- Behavioral Requirements: Specify that pets must be well-behaved and outline consequences for excessive noise, aggressive behavior, or damage caused by pets.
Don’t Forget About Screenings
Just as you screen potential tenants, it’s important to also screen their non-human companions. Conduct interviews or request photos of the pet or pets in question to get a sense of their size and mannerisms. If possible, ask for references from previous landlords to make sure the pet has a history of good behavior.
Also, don’t forget about health records. Require that your tenant provides you with proof of their pet’s vaccination history and routine health check-ups to make sure all pets in your units are healthy and properly cared for.
Make Your Property Pet-Friendly
Simply allowing pets in your units isn’t the beginning and end of the work required to maintain this new policy. It’s important to make a few strategic changes and improvements to your pet-friendly rental property. This way, you can help accommodate tenants with pets while protecting the investment you’ve made at the same time.
For example, you might want to install durable flooring in your units, such as tile, laminate, or vinyl. These materials are easy to clean and tend to be resistant to scratches. They’re a great option when it comes to handling accidents and eliminating lingering odors.
In addition, it’s a good idea to make sure your fences are secure. This way, you can provide a safe space for your tenant’s pets to play and get exercise. If your units don’t have yards, consider creating a designated pet area or dog park (especially if you own a property that houses multiple units).
Regular Maintenance and Inspections
Regular maintenance and inspections are incredibly important when it comes to protecting your property from potential pet damage. While many pets are quite non-destructive, catching potential issues early is the best way to reduce the amount of damage you’ll need to address later.
Schedule regular inspections so that you can quickly check out the unit and make sure everything appears as it should. Knowing that inspections are part of the lease agreement will also inspire tenants to take the best possible care of the unit while their pet lives in it.
Address any damage immediately to prevent it from worsening. This is particularly important for issues like pet odors, which can become more challenging to eliminate over time. Between tenancies, invest in professional cleaning services as well. This way, you’ll be better able to ensure that a clean and odor-free environment awaits the next tenant.
Educate Tenants on Pet Responsibilities
Along with requiring cleanliness and veterinary records, educating tenants about their responsibilities to both their pets and the unit is a must. By providing helpful information, you can help set expectations when it comes to the conditions the pet-friendly rental property needs to be kept in. Include somewhere in your rental agreement:
- Pet Care Guidelines: Provide guidelines on proper pet care, including regular grooming, waste disposal, and managing pet behavior.
- Noise Control: Encourage tenants to train their pets to minimize noise, particularly barking, which can disturb neighbors.
- Damage Prevention: Offer tips on how to prevent common pet-related damages, such as using scratching posts for cats or providing chew toys for dogs.
Remember, a neglected pet does not make a good tenant, nor does a neglectful owner.
Consider Pet Insurance
Requiring that tenants carry some form of pet insurance can provide an additional layer of protection, both for your property and the tenant. If you require liability coverage, ensure that the tenant’s policy covers liability for any injuries or damages the pet may cause, either to others or to various belongings. Some policies may also cover damage to the rental property, which provides financial protection in the event that costly repairs are needed.
Pet-Friendly Rental Property Legal Considerations
It’s important to be aware of any legal considerations you’re subject to when creating a pet-friendly rental property. For example:
- Fair Housing Laws: Understand and comply with Fair Housing laws, which may require accommodations for service animals and emotional support animals.
- Local Regulations: Be aware of any local regulations regarding pet ownership in rental properties, including breed restrictions or licensing requirements.
- Lease Agreements: Ensure your lease agreements clearly outline the pet policies and any associated fees or deposits. This provides legal protection and clarity for both parties.
Creating a pet-friendly rental property can be a win-win situation for landlords and tenants alike. By establishing clear policies, making strategic property modifications, and staying proactive with maintenance and inspections, you can attract responsible pet owners while keeping your unit in its best condition. Remember, a well-maintained pet-friendly property can lead to happier tenants, longer tenancies, and a more successful rental business.
