Getting over my Fear of Allowing Pets

[Tracy Uscinski]

My husband & I have a multi-family that we gutted & renovated 2 years ago. We did not allow pets with our first tenants, because everything was fresh & new. These tenants left the apartment in great condition. Though now that the apartment is turning over, we are continually asked if we will accept dog/cat. I keep imagining that the cabinets will be chewed or the carpet will wreak of urine. What’s really the worst that can happen when renting to tenants with pets? Should I really be worried to have pets in the rental?

[Erik W.]

@Tracy Uscinski, hi and welcome to BP!

I have allowed pets since beginning this business in 2005.  I now manage more properties than I ahve fingers and toes, and no I am not an amputee.

Pets make us a LOT of money.  We charge an up front $150 non-refundable registration fee.  Don't use the word deposit: deposits are refundable by definition unless you can prove a loss, plus why give that money away?  We also charge $20 per month per animal, and we limit to 2 animals.

All animals must be met and approved IN THEIR CURRENT HOME prior to entering the premises.  I can't tell you how important this step is.  There are responsible pet owners out there: my job is to find them.  It also gives me an excuse to get inside their current home and listen, sniff, and see what's going on.  I've rejected more than one application based on this 2-minute "in home inspection."  Hoarders and roaches and holes in the wall....oh my!  Nothing you'd see on a paper application!

Over the years, I have learned ways that help minimize damage pets and humans can do.  Carpet is a big one.  We started getting rid of carpet about 8 years ago, and ever since then my expenses have been lower (no more carpet shampooing between tenants), the units look nicer and attract better tenants who pay more money.  Carpet is kind of gross when you think about it.  Skin oil, dirty feet, urine, vomit, fur, fleas, pet danger, etc. all hide in carpets and even the big steam cleaner machines never get ALL of it out.  We do thick vinyl plank flooring or hardwoods only.  Area rugs are for tenants to buy, install, and clean as desired.

The worst problem I've had after taking all the steps above, including the inspection of current dwelling, are a few pieces of chewed trim.  No biggie.  $50 repair for the handyman and I bill their deposit.  Pee on the vinyl or wood can be easily fixed and those planks can be replaced (vinyl) or sanded, primed, and retained.

As @Will Fraser says, over 60% of renters have one or more pet.  You limit your tenant pool by rejecting pets.  Consider expanding using the steps I've outlined above: charge fees, pet rents, eliminate carpets, inspect applicant's current dwelling.  You should be considerably more profitable, enough to handle any one-off bad problems and still make more money!