rental ads, pet deposit

[Logan McConnell]

Hi, I just listed my first home in Fort Collins for rent.  Is having a one-time $300 non refundable pet fee sound like the norm in town?  Do you vary the fee depending on how many dogs they have?  Also, is it the norm to ask people to provide a brief statement about who they are, how many people would be living in the house, and what types of pets they have if any and to fill out a free online application before I talk to them.  I at first did not do this and got bombarded with these non-personal inquires through Rentlinx.  Seems like people only had to check a box and Rentlinx emails me, says they are interested and asks when they can see the place.  I don't want to show the place to 20s of people that might not even have good credit or who are violating the 3 non-related tenants in a home law in Fort Collins.  So I figured having them fill out a free rental app first, then I can pick out the ones I feel may qualify, then I will show it, and last they would pay a $35 fee for background and credit score check.

Any info is appreciated.  First time renting so trying to do it right the first time.

[Mindy Jensen]

@Logan McConnell, Welcome to BiggerPockets.

First off, you should ABSOLUTELY post your tenant criteria as conspicuously as possible. IN the ads, IN the actual unit when you show (open house style is my preferred way to show) and VERBALLY when you hand prospective tenants the application.

You want as few people as possible to run background checks on. Really, if you aren't going to rent to felons, you want them to know this as soon as possible so they don't waste your time and you don't waste theirs.

Of course, no one is going to read those criteria, so be ready to reiterate to anyone who calls and asks if you're going to do a background check... Read this post about screening tenants.

Actually, since this is your first time renting, read How to Rent Your House, too.

Pets are extremely common in Colorado - so a pet fee won't really make people bat an eye. Double check other listings to make sure you aren't too high - I'm not sure what the pet fee in FC is.

One thing I've seen landlords recommend is interviewing the pet, too. If they intend to live with Cujo, you want to know that in advance.

Absolutely charge extra per pet. 

Read this article about Emotional Support Animals, too. If someone calls up to ask if you allow them, the answer is yes, with proper documentation. You are allowed to ask for proof of prescription. You are not allowed to ask for proof of need.

Good luck!