Hello World! Welcome Friends! Having a pet policy in place is a great move if you’re opening your rental property to people who own pets. With it, you won’t have a hard time sifting through your list of interested renters, and you can easily defer to the agreement you signed when renters expressed their interest in the space. Also, your new renters will have an easier time making themselves at home because they know that their furred family member will be warmly welcomed in their new address.
That being said, how do you come up with a pet policy that benefits you, the new occupants, and their pets? Here are some tips you should consider if you want to design a more pet-friendly rental property:
Create a List of Your Requirements for Pet Owners
A comprehensive pet policy is a must-have if you’re planning on opening your doors to an occupant’s pet dog, cat, or any other type of animal. The policy may include the type and number of pets allowed, how you expect the owner to take care of their pets, what activities and habits are to be avoided, and the consequences of damages due to the pet and who will be responsible for them. Ideally, the policy should also indicate that the pets be vaccinated, registered, and licensed if needed, and whether or not you accept pets that are yet to be spayed or neutered.
Agree on a Standard Pet Deposit and Damage Deposit
Taking on pets is a responsibility, and as such, pet owners should have control over their pet’s actions and activities. Some pets, however, may have destructive habits that their pet owners have yet to address. To protect yourself from damages, have a standard pet and damage deposit in place. This way, renters will be more motivated to keep their units in good condition, and you’ll have funds that you can use to repair the space if something happens.
Don’t Install Any Carpeting on the Property
If you’re planning to go pet-friendly in the first place, skip the carpet and go for flooring materials that are more durable. If you think that this change can make the home a little less comfy, purchase wholesale dog beds for your rental. Then, leave one dog bed in each unit to make each space more welcoming. Your renters might need to wash their dog beds now and then, but at least the sealed floors will be much easier to clean and maintain.
Prepare a Designated Potty Place for the Pets
Having a designated potty area is a great way of keeping the rental clean and smelling fresh. Design a space that pet owners can take their pets to if their furry friends need to go. Make the potty spot easy to clean as well to encourage people and their pets to use that space. If everyone knows where they should go if the pet needs to defecate or urinate, then there’s a good chance that you won’t have trouble with dirty or smelly spots on the property.
Take Steps to Protect Damage-prone Surfaces
How will the property’s walls, floors, doors, and windows fare in the face of an overly enthusiastic pet? With that question in mind, you should anticipate potential damages due to pet nails and teeth and take
steps to protect the property accordingly. Avoid walls with a shiny finish or interesting textures so it will not attract the attention of an active dog or cat that’s just itching to do a bit of nail maintenance.
Get to Know the Pet Owners and the Pet
Before accepting renters, interview them first and get to know how they are as a pet owner. Observe how the pet reacts to the environment as well. Is it friendly, overly aggressive, or too jumpy? Remember that the pet’s temperament matters just as much as the owner’s sense of responsibility for the pet.
Require Renters Insurance for the Space
Another measure to protect yourself from liability like damages and injuries due to the pet would be to require the occupants of the property to get renters insurance. This ensures that in case something untoward does happen, you’re protected from litigation and the losses that come with it.
Many renters have a hard time finding a pet-friendly home, and some of them are forced to give up their pets in order to rent a property that meets their requirements. Opening up your rental property can be a boon to pet owners, and it might even boost the demand for your business. To protect yourself from possible damages and to weed out owners who can’t keep their furred family members under control, come up with a comprehensive pet policy that you can present with the lease agreement. This way, you and the prospective occupants can meet halfway when it comes to the upkeep and management of their pets and the property that you are renting out.
Click the links below for any posts you have missed:
What You Need to Know About Carpet Disposal
Create a YouTube Studio in your Home
The Role of a Real Estate Agency
How to Get Started Investing Rental Properties
Wear and Tear Damage to Your Home
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Toodles,
This is a very great list for both landlords and pet owners alike. We are planning to do a similar piece but for tenants with cats and will link to your article for information. Thanks!