Which Tenant would you take?

Question

Tenant A: Individual with high paying job over 4x rent. Recent college grad that is on a 14 month contract at a local defense contractor. This place only hires solid people and does strong background checks. He is from 4 our away. He also wants to get a lab puppy and train it. Sounds responsible and wants it to be an outdoor dog. If I don't let him get the dog, he will be out or not stay long. Limited credit history but nothing bad... not really enough time for that to happen. Tenant hasn't seen the house in person yet, but is coming Thursday. Thinks he will like it from the pictures.

Tenant B: 1 working adult family with medium income job. Over 3x rent. Have two "outdoor" chihuahua and pug mix. Have a longer credit history but defaulted on some student loans when they were young. Have a recent track record of making better decisions. Tenant feels strongly about the house because its across the street from the park and will be a good place for the family.... may be they will love it and stay for a while.

Typically I really try not to take dogs. I like both tenants but I am struggling getting over the dog issue. I haven't advertised it that much yet, and I got two decent options. The house has freshly refinished hardwood floors and tile in the kitchen. I just want to protect the integrity of the house. If I accept the pets they will pay $75 Pet Fee and $25 additional rent.

Account Closed · Answer

It gets pretty cold in Amarillo. Those dogs won't be outside all the time, no matter what they say. They definitely won't be left outside at night. And, small dogs are notorious for being hard to potty train. But, they might be really good dogs.

The other guy has a puppy. He will go everywhere in the house, guaranteed.

If I had to pick one, I would take Tenant B. I never take puppies.

Mike H. · Answer

I just think you're writing off a large portion of your tenant pool by not allowing pets. The guy is single and only has one pet? If it was a 3 or 4 year old dog, I'd say this was a no brainer. But the puppy thing is a bright red stop notice.

A puppy is going to go in the house quite a bit. And given that this guy is going to be away for work, is he going to leave the dog out of a cage while he's gone? Maybe when he thinks the dog is potty trained, he will. Only to find out the dog wasn't potty trained and had been going somewhere in the house for months.

Too many issues with that deal. But I'd also add this. Its the holiday season. 14 months might be perfect. Take that deal now and get the place rented. Let it come up again in a year and 2 months and that gets you into March next time. But rent it to him with NO PETS.   Maybe he'll get over the pet idea. Or maybe he'll get a girlfriend that will help him take care of a pet..... Right now, Id say its a bit of a risk. And I actually take pets in all my houses....

Stephen E. · Answer

I echo the advice not to let a puppy in your rental unit. The prospect for damage is just too great. Hopefully the other two dogs are sufficiently well trained to go outdoors. I never let pets in without payment of pet rent. In Ontario security deposits are not allowed (!) but you can charge anything you like as starting rent. I charge $25 in general for pet rent and I have not had pushback, most pet owners are very attached to their pet and appreciate that there may be additional costs. The truth is that relatively few landlords will rent to them and they are used to being turned down. Being asked for pet rent instead can be a bit of a relief.

Trent Vanderzee · Answer

I agree with the no pets answers.  If it is nice then someone will come along and you will be better off without the $25 per month.  Sounds like an appealing location too.

Richard C. · Answer

And that tells you what you need to know about expectations in your market.

I think you need to get over the dog thing, or accept longer vacancies.

Bienes Raices · Answer

"Outdoor dogs"? Is that like outdoor smokers?

Dawn Brenengen · Answer

I would take tenant A because there are less bodies in the home and a higher income. He may move in 14 months, but it should be an easy 14 months.

Blake C. · Answer

Thanks to all for the feedback. After hearing you, I think the fact that its a puppy, I can't do it. I'll talk this through with him. He is my first applicant, and if there is no pets, a no brainer. With a puppy, I can't do it, because I know its going to cause issues. We will have to see what his response is.

I don't want TWO dogs, but I'll think I will give it to this weekend to see what happens. If not, ill go with this route. Its still a qualified tenant, but I really would rather not have pets. Is this a legal approach... postponing on a tenant to see if you get someone better? My thought it I have only given it about 10 days.

The remodel isn't even complete yet... but I'd love to get someone in as soon as we finish at the end of this month. This is a slow time, but the rental market is strong here. Not as strong as a year ago, but still pretty solid.

Vicki Gleitz · Answer

A responsible person, in my opinion, does not have "outdoor dogs.  If they are not going to take great care of their dogs, why would they take good care of your house?

Michael Noto · Answer

I am not against renting to families but when given the choice if all is equal I personally take the single person ALL DAY.

Less moving parts when you are just dealing with 1 person.

Which Tenant would you take?

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