Allowing pets in your rentals

[Amanda Culleton]

My husband and I have a new multi family house that we rehabbed and have ready for rent. We are up in the air if it will be a pet friendly or no pets allowed property. But I had a possible tenant ask about a dog (pit bull). I was told my insurance may not cover me if I have the dog. The example I was told is if the dog bites someone and the renter is not covered the injuries person could sue me personally. But What if the tenant gets renters insurance wouldn't I be covered? Just curious as to your thoughts on dogs in rental units.

[Steve Vaughan]

I allow animals where I can - all of my houses and 1 apt complex.  I do have a thorough animal application/agreement that outlines the rules.  I like @Michael Boyer 's suggestion of 'upon approval'.   Need to meet the animal and prevent insurance  problems.

My responsible animal owners have been great and stay longer. Probably because so few others allow any animals at all lol. They got nowhere else to go!

I would recommend removing the word 'pet' from all advertising, lease, deposit and addendum language.  I've substituted with 'animal', or canine/feline when I get specific in this ESA, support and therapy animal world we are playing in now.  

I've adopted higher deposit requirements (check with your state, though) overall, in case someone shows up and tries to tell me it's an ESA and I can't charge a pet deposit.  I can then lower the deposit if no animals are involved.  

I've also instituted high unauthorized animal fees in my lease.  Some tenants will sneak animals in to your property. Fact of life.  A $500 fee will help cover some costs when they do - or may help deter them.  Folks with 1 will tend to 'acquire' another one, even if it's 'being babysat for a friend over the weekend'.  Yeah, right.

Good discussion!