Tenant pet owner's can be so obnoxious

Tenant pet owner's can be so obnoxious

Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes

It is in the rental criteria, also in the beginning, middle and end of my description: No Pets. That doesn't stop someone from jumping through all the hoops to get a showing and then spring the "oh I just saw you don't allow pets, I have an 8 lb [piss and poop machine] that is very well behaved, do make exceptions?" Or during a walk through, "Now sometimes I watch my mom's [piss and poop machine], would that be a problem?" This is after I have already personally run through a no pets policy via email or phone before a walk through.

I feel like telling them that at that point it has nothing to do with the pet and everything to do with there deception, but I don't want to waste another minute with them.

Conservatively, 65% of my contacts. And only 10% of those start out with "I see in your ad..." the rest want to bring it right up until they are called on it.

I get it, I have been in pet friendly rentals in my market. They are gross, I wouldn't want to live there either- but if you get a pet and you don't own a home, that is what you sign up for.

And then, finally, just as you are about to give up... along come your future tenants who are so happy to live in a clean, no pets building. And all is right in the world.

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JD MartinBusiness Member
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Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
8y

My experience: lots of people don't get beyond the first sentence in the description. Which is why I always have the rent, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, square feet, and (if possible) availability date in the first sentence. I've thought about putting something weird in the ad before - "5-armed martians require extra deposit", but I just let it roll. 

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  • Specialist · Riverside, CA · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    In my experience pets have not been an issue, and it can be easy for a tenant to overlook if you are in a competitive market and are trying to see multiple properties in a day. Many times people will use the filters on MLS to ensure they find pet friendly rentals and the person who listed the property did not check the proper box but listed no pets in the description causing confusion. That is not necessarily the case in this instance but something to think about, also be aware of "service animals" as in most jurisdictions regardless of your no pet policy you must accept them.

  • Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    @Aaron K. you would have to disregard the entire description. It is everywhere throughout the ad. I put it so often it makes me feel like I am a pet hater. Couldn’t be further from the truth.

    And before the thread de-rails it is not about service animals, emotional support peacocks, or seeing eye hamsters.

  • Specialist · Riverside, CA · Member since 2015 · 6k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    8y

    @Patrick M. "You would have to ignore the entire description"  Yeah you would and a lot of people do unfortunately, I could see this being the case especially with a single family home where it is far more expected for a landlord to allow pets.  Maybe you could put different language in the listing if this is a frequent occurrence to see if it makes a difference.  For example any pets may result in eviction etc. because a lot of people interpret "no pets" as pet restrictions for pit-bulls etc. even though this is not the case, because many who self manage do change their policy especially if their unit has been on the market for a long time.

  • Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    Nope... apartment. “It is beautiful!” “And I see you have central air!”  My friend- they read the description. I am happy to hear that there is apparently a worse group of applicants out there where you are. But no- they know full well.

  • Investor · Richmond, VA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 2k+ votes
    8y

    @Patrick M.,

    One thing I'd suggest, is a hefty fee if any animal is found on the premise,  $1,000 and/or immediate eviction, and bring it up in the 2nd email or so.. it won't offend those who don't have pets, and should cut out a lot of the animal hiders.   If you say it early, it should weed out and eliminate fakers... just tell them you like to be very transparent with any fees.    

    Also, maybe in your emails state "things not allowed"--- pets, felonies, evictions, etc, and make sure it's clearly no exception.   People are ADD and sometimes don't read sentences, they can look at pictures/charts.     Maybe get the sign of no cats/no dogs, something visual.

    That being said,  in 90% of our homes we   allow pets-- because of the flooring, either tile or LVPT which is nearly  waterproof and incredibly durable!      The pet deposit and pet rent is great, and we also only allow them if there is a fenced yard, but that's just our policy.   Glad you found a good tenant!   

  • Joe SplitrockPro Member
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    Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
    8y

    @Patrick M. the best way to filter these people is ask pre-screening questions before you setup a showing. Ask them how many animals they have. Only show the property if they say none or 0. 

    I know it should be enough to state it in your advertisement, but I have found asking the question is a better approach.

    I am not even sure it is intentional in all cases. I have had people ask many questions that are addressed in my for-rent posting, which leads me to believe people just don't pay attention. Or in some cases they look at so many properties that it all starts to blend together.

  • JD MartinBusiness Member
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    Rock Star Extraordinaire · Northeast, TN · Member since 2015 · 10k+ posts · 16k+ votes
    8y

    My experience: lots of people don't get beyond the first sentence in the description. Which is why I always have the rent, number of bedrooms/bathrooms, square feet, and (if possible) availability date in the first sentence. I've thought about putting something weird in the ad before - "5-armed martians require extra deposit", but I just let it roll. 

    Skyline Properties
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  • Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    @Joe Splitrock I agree. Fortunately, but for the "my mom" case, I have head all off.

    I must give them too much credit in assuming that if you have an animal, your selection will be limited, just like a smoker. I tend to expect a pet owner to have a level of responsibility which these ones lack. In my market the pet friendly units are not nice and I would have just assumed that it was not just the landlords and non-pet owner tenants that realized this.

    @JD Martin I am through with the multiple references to no pets- I just find it incredible (as in I don't believe them) when they can quote me the features and amenities of the unit and they were unable to see the multiple references to no pets. 

  • Joe SplitrockPro Member
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    Rental Property Investor · Sioux Falls, SD · Member since 2015 · 9k+ posts · 18k+ votes
    8y

    @Patrick M. the scary part is even if you don't accept pets, you are required to accept emotional support animals. Tenants are starting to use this as a way to bring pets in regardless of your policy. 

  • Member since 2016 · 13k+ posts · 12k+ votes
    8y

    In your pre screening you ask:

    1) Do you presently have a pet of any kind.

    2) Do you foresee acquiring a pet of any kind during your tenancy.

    3) Is there any possibility you may need to pet sit someone else's animal.

    You then inform them that if any animal is found to be in, or has been in, the unit for any reason they will be evicted or assessed a $1000 fee for every occurrence on a per day  bases.

    Some are stupid but most applicants believe that landlords are so desperate and so dependant on needing a tenant asap they think landlords will ignore their own rules to accept a good applicant.

  • Real Estate Agent · Virginia Beach, VA · Member since 2012 · 2k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    At my last turnover, I had a couple who showed up knowing I don't take cats, and no matter what I said, kept making variations of the statement,  Well there is no way we could rent your home if you don't allow my cat.  He's the best and we won't get rid of him.  I'd repeatedly say, Yes, I'm sorry it won't work out, but I already stated no cats.  And they'd just keep going with why they'd be so great and their cat is awesome, even after my next appointment showed up.  I guess it must have worked for them in the past, but the conversation got ridiculous, where I found myself assuring them that I understood that they would never get rid of their cat, but that I don't allow cats.   I was so worried they were getting ready to pull the fake emotional support animal thing.  Telling them my husband was extremely allergic to cats and would not be able to enter the unit for repairs or maintenance seemed to finally get through to them that I really wasn't going to give them an application.      

  • Rental Property Investor · Red Bank, NJ · Member since 2017 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    8y

    @Joe Splitrock yes it is. knock on wood not yet...

    @Thomas S. I was almost there on our first renovated unit a couple years ago. I was fortunate to have good counsel going in and we stuck to our guns... and we always will. It can be very frustrating to turn away so many applicants- and it is a frustration that only a "no pets" landlord can experience. 

  • Property Manager · San Antonio, TX · Member since 2016 · 61 posts · 31 votes
    8y

    That is really frustrating, Patrick!

    We pretty much have to accept pets where we are. Single family homes with a yard and garage with families just seem to mean a big dog in our area, lol. Part of the reason I allow them and demand a deposit is because I am sure tenants will try to sneak them in if I don't. At least this way, I have a deposit from the beginning if their pet does damage.

    I share your hatred of pets though. I have none (unless you count two human toddlers, which you probably should, lol).

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