Pet owners love their pets. Many pet owners will not consider renting a property that isn’t pet-friendly.

Although allowing pets to live in your rental property can open you up to more potential tenants, there are additional risks. Landlords renting out properties to tenants who have pets need to plan, establish rules and requirements and create a pet agreement. Allowing pets to stay in a rental is a great way to get the best out of them.

Allowing Pets To Live In A Rental Is A Great Idea For Many Reasons, Including:

• There Is A Greater Pool Of Applicants:

  Many applicants won't consider renting a house if it doesn't allow pets. Your rental will be more appealing to pet owners, and you'll have more applicants. 

• Rent Income Increases:

  Pet owners who permit pets may charge additional monthly pet rent, pet fee, or deposit. If there are no pet damages, you will have additional rental income.

• More Renewals:

  Pet owners may have difficulty finding a rental because they are more likely to renew their leases frequently than those who do not own pets. Pet-owners fill out nearly twice as many applications. On average, renters with pets are less than those who do not own them.

• Tenants Who Are Reliable:

  Pets require care and attention. A pet owner might be more inclined to take the same care of your rental property.

• Happier Tenants: 

  Animals can reduce stress and make a place feel like home. 37% of renters are either single or never married. However, 46% of renters own pets.

• The Chance Of Unidentified Pets Decreasing:

  This gives your tenants access to their pets from the beginning; they are more likely, to be honest about it. Tenants will be less likely to bring pets onto your property. You'll also be more aware of the types and numbers of pets that live on the property.

There are risks to allowing pets in rental properties

There are risks associated with allowing pets to live in rental properties. Your tenant may allow their pet to:

• Damage Your Rental Property:

  Pets such as cats and dogs can scratch, chew and stain surfaces in your rental. However, any pet can pose a risk to your rental. Even an aquarium can cause damage in the event of an accident.

• Do Not Disturb Neighbours Or Other Tenants:

  Noise can be an issue if there is more than one unit on the property or if neighbors are nearby.

• Removing Odours That Are Not Needed:

  Pets can sometimes leave behind unpleasant odors. Your rental might need extra cleaning due to unpleasant odors such as hair or fur accidents.

• Tenants With Allergies Should Be Contacted:

  Multi-unit rentals require you to be aware that there may be allergies among tenants. This can be a problem in shared spaces such as hallways and yards.

• Inflict Injury On A Person Or An Animal:

  You don't want your landlord to be held responsible for any injuries caused by tenants' pets. You should ensure that your tenant has adequate renters insurance that covers bites to animals on the property.

Check that your insurance covers pets while renting

After weighing the risks and benefits, you have decided to allow tenants with pets. You should first check with your insurance company and homeowner association (HOA) to see any restrictions on renting to tenants with pets.

Find out which animals are considered to be restricted

Insurance companies and HOAs may have restrictions about certain breeds or weights of dogs.

• Pit bulls

• Rottweilers

• Doberman pinschers

• Chows

• Akitas

• Alaskan malamutes

• German shepherds

• Siberian huskies

• Saint Bernards

• Wolf hybrids

The HOA and insurance company will determine the type of restrictions. Check with your agent to see if there are any restrictions.

Require adequate renters insurance

You should ensure that you are protected in case of injuries caused by an animal. You'll want to require tenants to purchase renters insurance and show you their policy to ensure it covers dog bites and other injuries.

How to make your home pet-friendly

These improvements can be made before tenants rent a pet-friendly house.

• Get Durable Flooring:

  Vinyl and Linoleum won't collect hair from pets and are better at repelling stains and odors than carpet.

• Landscape Your Yard:

  You might consider making a small section of your yard a pet potty and then covering it with mulch or rocks.

• Install A Fence:

  Your tenant can allow their pet to enjoy a safe area without worrying about escape.

  These small changes will make your property more appealing to pet owners and make it easier to maintain.

How to screen tenants who have pets

You screen a tenant to determine if they're a good fit for your rental property -- by screening their pets, you'll be able to help mitigate some of the risks associated with renting to pet owners. Do a pet interview before you sign a lease.

• You can meet the animal and confirm its good behavior and friendliness.

• Keep the photo of your pet for your records.

• Ask tenants questions about their pets.

What to look out for when you meet pets in person

You can observe the behavior of an animal and make sure it is well-trained by meeting it in person. It is important to ensure that the applicant is responsible and keep track of any necessary items, such as a leash or waste bags.

Tenants with pets should ask questions:

• How many pets are you a pet owner?

• What is the breed and size of your pet?

• What is the age of your pet?

• What length of time have you had the pet?

• Are you able to license your pet?

• Have your pets ever been aggressive towards other animals or people?

• Is your pet's care solely your responsibility?

• Is your pet well-trained?

• Are your pets up to date on all vaccinations?

• Are your pets spayed/neutered?

• Do you find your pet gets along well with children, other pets, and people?

• Who will look after your pet while you are away?

• What can you do to control fleas

• How to add a pet to your lease agreement

A pet addendum (sometimes called a pet agreement) is a document that is added to your lease agreement. It requires tenants to follow certain rules, regulations, and pet policies. You can sign a pet addendum.

The landlord, The tenant, is allowed to live with the specified animals in the rental property.

The tenant, You agree to take responsibility for your pet and any damage it causes.

You will need to include these details in your pet addendum if you permit pets in your rental.

• Pet insurance

• Tenant responsibilities

• Pet rent amount

• Pet deposit amount

• Pet fees are non-refundable

What Should A Renter's Pet Policy Include?

A clearly written pet policy should be included in your lease. The following should be included in a pet policy:

1. Types Of Pets That Are Allowed

You should be clear about the restrictions on pets that you will allow. Sources online indicate that 31% of renters have dogs, while 22% own cats. 46% of renters also own other pets.

2. The Maximum Number Of Pets Permitted

It is common for large animals such as dogs and cats to be restricted in the number of people who can live on your rental property. You may be required by city law to limit the number of animals allowed in a home. They will need to know the type of animal that is allowed.

3. Restrictions On Breeds

HOAs and insurance companies may consider certain breeds of dogs more dangerous than others. Let potential renters know which breeds are prohibited if this is true. It is not a good idea to accept or deny pets solely based on their breed. To determine the temperament of a tenant who rents to a dog-loving tenant, it is important to meet them.

4. All Sizes Are Possible

Instead of restricting pets according to their breed, you might consider weight or size limitations. If you rent a small apartment, for example, you might want to set a maximum weight or length limit.

5. Be Mindful Of Service, Assistant, Or Emotional Support Animals

You may need to make allowances if a tenant has a service, assistant, or emotional support animal. Pets are not allowed for service and assistance animals. You should consult an attorney to ensure that your policies comply with Fair Housing laws and legal.

Pet addendums: Tenant requirements

Be sure to retain the right to remove the pet and tenant or terminate the lease if the pet or tenant is in serious violation of your agreement or is causing harm. To ensure compliance with local and state laws, you can consult an attorney. These are some policies that you might want to include in your pet addendum.

• Tenants are required to pick up after their pets or face a fine.

• Tenants agree to let their pets be a non-nuisance to tenants and neighbors.

• Tenants are required to submit current records of vaccinations and licenses and proof that their pet has been spayed or neutered.

• When outside the rental property, all dogs must be leashed.

• Other animals such as birds and hamsters will also be properly caged.

• The rental property will not allow unapproved animals to be kept there.

• The tenant is responsible for any animal damage.

• The tenant must have renters insurance, which includes coverage for dog bites.

Avoid legal pitfalls by making sure that you apply all rules equally for every pet-owning tenant. Be mindful of service, assistant, or emotional support animals to avoid any potential legal problems.

Do You Need To Charge An Additional Pet Deposit, Pet Rent, or Pet Fee?

Pet-related property damage can be a problem if you allow pets to live in your rental. Renters should be required to pay an additional pet deposit to protect their investment. In addition to the usual $25-100 per month pet rent, landlords may charge an additional $25-100 depending on the size and type of pet. This extra income can be used to cover any damage an animal might cause to your property.

• Pet Rent:

  There is an additional monthly fee to cover the rent. This may vary depending on the number and type of pets.

• A Pet Deposit:

  Is a non-refundable fee that the tenant pays before moving in. It usually ranges between $200 and $500. The landlord holds it (just as the Security deposit() to cover any damage caused by the pet during the lease.

• A Pet Fee:

  This is an additional charge that the tenant must pay instead of a pet deposit. The majority of pet fees fall within the $200-500 range. To keep your rental property cost-competitive in your local market, you might consider charging pet rent.

What Is The Pet Deposit?

A larger deposit may be required to cover costs such as cleaning stained carpets, repairing damaged surfaces, and removing scratches if the tenant moves out. You may be limited by the fees that you can charge for pet deposits in some states. If there is no pet damage, you will return the pet deposit at the end of the lease, along with the security deposit balance.

How To Document Damage

Before your tenant or pet moves in, make sure you document the condition of your rental property. Or, if your tenant is already living in your rental, make an appointment to do a walkthrough ahead of the pet's arrival.

Proper planning and rules can help you rent a house with pets. This will make your property more profitable and last many years.