How do you handle tenants with pets?

[Grace Wang]

Hi all,

I have a rental property available for rent now. Unfortunately, a lot of applicants who respond to my ad don't have good credits. When I listed my property, we didn't expect to have tenants with pets because I was afraid of the potential damage caused by the pets since we just remodeled the kitchen and bathroom and upgraded them. However, since the credit screening process may reduce the qualified applicants, I am wondering if I should compromise and consider tenants with pets because I don't want our property idle in winter. I haven't rent my property to tenants with pets before. I will appreciate if you can kindly share your experience or lesson learned with me.

Thank you,
Grace

[Brent Zande]

A few things you can do if you are going to rent to people with pets that have worked for me: 1. I always take at least 50% more security deposit. 2. I charge $25 to $50 more per month in rent. The final thing I do is limit the type, number and size of pet that they can have. If I can, I like to meet the animal as well. The last thing you want is a massive aggressive dog or dogs in your house. Find a good cheap carpet cleaner, you will need it.
Good Luck,
Brent