Pet policy

[Scott Stallings]

hey guys, my name is scott from lancaster PA. I'm a new guy, my first property isn't even ready to advertise yet but I'm trying to nail down what I want my policy to be, right now pet policy. 

I'd like to allow pets, but is it best to charge a pet deposit or up the rent a few bucks? From what I understand (which is very possible I understand wrong), that in PA I'm allowed to charge up to 2 months as security deposit, but can only hold one month after the first year. Again, from what I understand that includes the pet policy. If that's true I'd assume it's better to have a monthly fee per pet. 

Thoughts?

[Michael L.]

Hi Scott,

I'm also in Lancaster and struggled with how to pursue pets for a while. I just allowed my first rental with pets so we'll see how it goes. If you plan to allow pets, I would rehab/choose the place accordingly; of course things like avoiding carpets in favor of durable laminates (that won't retain smells) will factor into your decision making.

Ultimately I decided I'd rather have a high quality tenant with a pet. Few properties in Lancaster allow pets so it gives a competitive advantage, but you have to expect the accelerated wear on your unit (i.e., plan to change the carpet, if you have any, every 3 years instead of every 5). I charge an additional fee of $25 per month per pet to account for this. The tenants are also well aware that any damage above normal wear and tear will be repaired by them or from their security deposit.

Best of luck!