As pet ownership becomes increasingly prevalent today, most tenants opt for rental properties that welcome their animal companions. However, allowing pets in rental units brings evident challenges for landlords and property managers, especially regarding potential pet-related damages and conflicts.
Landlords must carefully evaluate the advantages of attracting a wider range of tenants against the potential risks, such as liability for damages, breed-specific concerns, and the challenge of maintaining peace between pet-owning and non-pet-owning tenants.
This article delves into the legal implications of pet-friendly properties and how landlords can strike a balance between keeping their homes safe and establishing welcoming spaces for pets.
Crafting a Pet Policy: Key Considerations
The first step for property owners who consider pets in their rental properties is creating a pet policy. This policy should outline whether all or only certain “furry friends” are permitted. To avoid potential pet-related issues, you may need to consider factors such as dangerous breeds, the pet’s behavior history, and whether it’s house-trained.
Establishing pet rules early on, such as addressing pet waste, excessive barking, or any pet accidents, will help maintain order and prevent future conflicts with other tenants and non-pet owners.
When crafting a policy, you must be acquainted with local and state laws that regulate pet policies. These laws may restrict you from banning service animals or emotional support animals. Under fair housing laws, landlords must provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with emotional support or service animals, regardless of a no-pet policy.
Fees, Deposits, and Rent
Landlords must protect their properties against potential pet damage. One common strategy is charging a pet deposit, which is separate from the tenant’s normal security deposit. This will cover pet-related damages such as scratched floors, broken blinds, or pet accidents. Depending on state and local laws, this deposit may be refundable if there’s no damage beyond normal wear and tear upon inspection.
You may also charge a non-refundable pet fee, which acts as an upfront payment for allowing pets. Many landlords charge pet rent to offset wear and tear caused by pets. These specified pet deposits help maintain the rental property and provide compensation for pet-related maintenance costs.
These monthly pet rents must be reasonable, and you must treat responsible pet owners fairly. Excessively costly fees can deter prospective tenants, thus, it’s essential to find a balance that protects your property without turning away pet parents looking for pet-friendly housing.
Lease Agreement and Pet Addendums
Landlords must include a pet addendum to outline the rules and expectations for pet-owning tenants. This pet agreement should specify whether other animals are allowed, the behavior standards for pets, and who is responsible for any pet-related damages.
A mandatory pet screening may be necessary to ensure the pet is healthy and doesn’t spread diseases to other pets in the vicinity. The tenant must also ensure the pet has up-to-date vaccinations and is well-trained. By setting clear expectations in the lease agreement, landlords can address potential issues upfront and avoid future disputes.
Pet-Related Property Damage and Liability
One of the biggest concerns landlords face is property damage. Pet-related damages can be costly, especially when repairing flooring, pieces of furniture, or walls. You may have to use the primary security deposit to cover any necessary repairs. In some cases, landlords may also need to consider additional repair costs, such as pet waste or chewed furniture.
You may also consider your liability for incidents such as dog bites or odd pet behaviors that may violate other tenants’ right to quiet enjoyment. Renter’s insurance with liability coverage is highly encouraged to ensure that both tenants and property owners are protected in the event of pet-related incidents. The pet policies must also address the safety of non-pet owners who live nearby.
In Conclusion
As a landlord, you must be familiar with local and fair housing laws and set clear rules in your lease agreement. With the right approach, allowing pets in your rental properties can help grow your rental business, maximize rental income, boost tenant satisfaction, and attract responsible pet owners who are searching for pet-friendly homes.
Hiring a property manager can ease your responsibilities and worries by managing issues like pet-related damages, verifying pet screenings and certain breeds, and ensuring good property management practices.
Let Stewardship Management and Realty help manage your rental properties by imposing rules and regulations to protect your business from irresponsible pet owners. Call us now and book an appointment with our experts!
Additional Resources
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