Hesitant to allow pets, but want to!

[TaRa Mehta]

Can ya'll share your "lessons learnt" about allowing pets in your rental property ? We have only had one rental property so far and have always had a "No Pet Policy". Now I'm getting ready to market my second one and I want to feel more comfortable to allow pets and increase my applicant pool. I guess I'm concerned about those folks who think it's ok to use the backyard as the "potty", and not bother to pick up. Anyway, your recommendations/suggestions will be very helpful. Thanks in advance ! 

1. What restrictions do you have with pets ? (animal types/breeds/weight etc)
2. What is the normal fee charged ? (one time deposit or monthly)

Thanks

[Jason Foy]

From my experience pets are a good money maker if you treat them right. I allow pets in all my properties under a few requirements. Worst case scenario pet leaves a bad odor in a house, thankfully you can ozone scrub a house and literally remove all odors from a home. The grass is also pretty simple to fix.  Around 40-50% of people have a pet, so saying no pets limits people, and i also prefer people not drop off their animals at a shelter because they want to live in one of my units for 1-2 years. Pets are family to people.

1. Non-refundable pet deposits usually ranging 300-500 per animal depending on the size of the animal. 

2. Find a good addendum and attach it to your lease for pets specifically

3. Your addendum should identify the tenant's liability. Tenant understands and accepts they are liable and responsible for their doings. Including inside and outside walls, carpets, floors, grass ect. Tenant will agree to restore the premises to their original condition at their expense if needed. Pet and pet waste are required to stay under control. 

as always we do a pre-inspection with video and pictures and have the new tenant sign off on the pre-inspection form. This way when they plan to move out you can reference those documents.