Many landlords don’t want to deal with the potential extra mess and hassle that comes along with allowing pets on the property. However, you significantly reduce your potential pool of tenants when you forbid all pets on your property. Nearly two-thirds of all American households have at least one pet – you probably don’t want to turn away two-thirds of tenants. Whether you want to welcome pets because you are a pet lover or you simply want to broaden your scope of potential tenants, there are some simple steps that you can take to make it easier on you, your tenant, and your rental property to keep a pet there. Here are the tips.<'p>
Many landlords allow pets as long as they are under a certain weight limit. However, you may want to consider evaluating each case and permitting pets based on breed rather than weight. For example, Great Danes are some of the largest types of dogs. However, they tend to be calm and don’t need much exercise, and can actually live very comfortably in a small space.
Ask the rental applicant for references from previous landlords. This is something that every landlord should require, regardless of whether pets are involved. However, when you are considering allowing pets, this reference can prove especially helpful. Ask the previous landlords whether the property was maintained in good condition and whether there was damage done to the space by the pets. This gives you a good idea of what to expect for your own property should you accept the tenant and their pet.
Require that all pets must be spayed or neutered. This serves two purposes. Obviously, it prevents litters of puppies or kittens. Spaying and neutering also serves to prevent unpleasant behavior by the pet, such as marking territory with urine, showing aggressive tendencies, and digging under fences. This will help to minimize liability as well as damage to the property.
Require tenants to provide proof of up-to-date vaccinations for their pets, including rabies and distemper immunizations. This shows that the tenant is a responsible pet owner and helps to protect you from liability.
Charge a refundable deposit. The truth is that people and pets alike can both cause damage to your property. You don’t necessarily know that a home with a pet will require more maintenance than a home without a pet. When the tenant moves out, you can assess any damage that may have occurred and deduct the cost of that damage from the deposit.
Tailor your lease agreement to specifically detail any rules relating to keeping pets. Be sure to include the following topics:
Whether cats are permitted outdoors or must be kept indoors at all times;
How long dogs can be left outside in a fenced yard and during which hours of the day;
Whether dogs may be tethered outdoors;
How often or how soon pet waste must be removed from outdoor areas.
Many people consider pets to be a part of their family, and wouldn’t dream of giving them up to move into a new rental home. You can broaden your pool of potential tenants by agreeing to accept pets, and you don’t necessarily have to risk having your home destroyed in order to accept pets.
If you could use some help in managing your tenants, call
McMath Realty
. We offer property management services in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding area, which means that we will find and screen tenants for you and handle all of the necessary maintenance for your property. Get in touch with McMath Realty to learn more today.