According to the APPA, there are 86.9 million pet-owning households in the United States, which is over 60% of the population. While some of these animal lovers settle for smaller creatures, most of them share their homes with dogs and cats.
When you allow pets in a rental property, you increase your chances of finding a tenant faster. The question is, ''What are the ins and outs of allowing pets in rental properties?"
Keep reading to find out.
Benefits of Allowing Pets in a Rental Property
Landlords who allow pets in their rental properties automatically attract interest from more tenants. You can also make a little extra from these people by charging them pet rent, non-refundable pet fees, or pet deposits.
If you take pains to screen and vet all your tenants and their pets, you can enjoy all the benefits of allowing our tenants to have pets.
Many landlords find that pet owners are responsible tenants and take pains to ensure their pets don't cause any damage. They're also more inclined to renew their leases due to the scarcity of pet-friendly rentals.
Be sure to include a section in your lease that clearly outlines any charges levied for damages caused by pets.
Risks Associated With Pets in Rental Properties
The biggest issue landlords experience with pets is that they can damage their property. Some of the things pets get up to include:
- Causing scratch marks
- Chewing on wood
- Ripping cables and wires
- Destroying landscaping
Over time, houses with pets may also develop an unpleasant odor, and pet hair can spread allergens throughout a multi-family residence.
Some pets, like dogs, are noisy and may disturb the neighbors. Always ask prospective tenants about their dog's barking tendencies.
You can also ask their previous landlords about any noise complaints caused by their dogs.
In rare instances, pets can also cause injuries to visitors, neighbors, or other animals. This can cause legal complications.
If you own a home that falls under the control of a condo association, you can't allow pets unless they agree to it. In some places, tenants may have a legal right to keep pets, so check this before you ban pets from your property.
Remember, if your lease doesn't clearly state 'no pets', your tenant may keep as many pets as they want to. You can't change a lease unless both parties agree to it.
Screening Tenants With Pets
The term, 'pet' covers a huge range of species, from goldfish to horses, so you must know exactly what you're in for when you allow a tenant to occupy your property with a pet.
It's best to establish at the outset exactly which animals you'll allow. If preferred, you can also limit this to certain breeds or sizes of dogs, too.
Weighing up Your Options
Although most property owners experience few problems with pet-owning tenants, the pet issue is fraught with uncertainties for first-time landlords.
We can assist with advice for landlords regarding pets in a rental property, as well as every other aspect of San Diego rental property management. Contact us to discuss how we can help you.
