If you're looking for ways to attract tenants to your San Diego rental home, there are a few things you can do to ensure this. Carrying out desirable upgrades and installing appealing amenities are some ideas, but they do involve time and money.
Allowing pets in your rental property is one way to instantly increase your property's appeal to a wide pool of tenants. It doesn't cost you anything extra, but it can involve some risks.
Read on to explore what you need to know about allowing pets in a rental property.
Reasons to Welcome Pets in Your Rental Property
Over 60% of American families own pets, and most of these people consider these animals part of their family. So you can greatly increase your pool of potential tenants when you allow pets in your rental unit.
Pet-friendly properties are scarce, so these tenants are often willing to pay higher rents to ensure their animals have somewhere suitable to stay. They're also unlikely to take chances by violating their lease agreement to avoid the long search for another property.
Overall, pet owners are responsible people and good tenants. They take good care of your property, keep their pets under control, and pay their rent on time.
That doesn't mean you should forego your usual tenant screening processes when placing these tenants. You should vet their applications the same as you would for any other tenant.
Cons of Allowing Pets in a Rental Property
While fish, rodents, and reptiles can do little harm to a property, larger pets like cats and dogs can wreak havoc for landlords. Untrained and unruly pets may:
- Bark incessantly
- Dig up landscaping
- Chew furniture and fittings
- Roam the neighborhood, causing a disturbance
- Cause pest infestations
- Shed hair and create unpleasant, lingering odors
- Damage or destroy flooring
Some dogs might even bite a neighbor or contractor that visits your property. This can lead to an unpleasant and costly lawsuit.
You can charge a pet deposit to help buffer you against these damages. Routine property inspections will help you check up on your property, so you can remedy these situations before they get out of hand.
It's wise to interview families who own pets as part of the tenant screening process. Ask them to bring the pet along to this meeting so you can gauge its level of obedience and training.
Under California law, you must make reasonable accommodations for people who have service animals. That means you cannot prevent them from occupying a property that disallows pets, and you must waive pet deposits for these tenants.
Make Good Decisions for Your Investment Property
Deciding to allow pets in a rental property has several implications for your rental business, but it remains a personal choice. A property manager can help you make this kind of decision objectively.
Harland Property Management specializes in providing homeowners with profitable solutions for their properties while enhancing tenant relations. Our range of services ensures your home stays in good condition, regardless of the types of pets you allow in it.
Discover our formula for maximizing your San Diego investments today.
