Tenants with Pets is it worth the trouble?

Question

Just want to know from experience, how much of a liability is to have a tenant with Pets, specifically two dogs? Is it worth the trouble? Is it actually a bad thing? The house I'm planning to rent has mostly carpet, will it be necessary to change the whole carpet after renting ?

Thank you

John Underwood · Answer

Most of my tenants have pets. If I didn't allow them I would cut way down on my tenant pool. I don't charge pet rent. I charge a non refundable pet fee.

From my experience pets don't cause any trouble. The humans cause damage and trouble.

Zach F. · Answer

I have allowed pets in our rentals for the past 5+ years and have yet to run into a scenario where the dog/pet was a horrible decision.  It's a competitive edge to allow pets in hot markets as most large apartment complexes (in our area at least) do not allow dogs.

Shera Gregory · Answer

To me this is not good or bad, just a personal preference thing. Pretty much every landlord is going to charge a pet deposit, but it is also possible to have "pet rent" which adds some amount to the rent each month ($20 to $40 range). Tenants who have pets know that it's hard to find a good rental that accepts pets so it's also possible to have a longer term tenant if you accept pets.

I would say that you should plan on having to replace the carpets, but you will probably want to shift over to all hard surface flooring anyway for a long term rental. A lot of folks (including me) like to use LVT flooring in rentals.

Hal Fitzgerald · Answer

No I will not accept tenants with pets. You know it will be a big potential trouble in the future. Damage to the furniture, smell that can not e removed, noise disturbing your neighbor… If I were you, I will not accept tenants with dogs to refuse these problems.

Alex Smith · Answer

Like others have said, it's personal preference. I understand why some owners don't like or want to rent to someone with pet(s). But as @John Underwood mentioned, you will be cutting into your prospective tenant pool significantly.

Christian Rivas Plata · Answer

Hey Eric,

have you ran into issues as far as landlord insurance goes? i hear that most insurance would blacklist some breeds, how would you get around that?

more thoughts around the insurance aspect would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Christian

Eric Carr · Answer

I allow pets, I have 4 dogs myself. Kids cause more damage, adults often do also.

I do not charge pet rent, but I do collect a larger deposit. In CA, it is illegal to collect a non refundable deposit. I don't do it in Texas either. Nor other states I own rentals. But I do take a larger deposit to cover anything should it come up.

I screen the tenants and the animals. I do not discriminate against breed (I have 3 Dobermans and a Pit Bull) But being experienced with dogs, I check them out also. They must be spayed/neutered and licensed. Make sure that you have a solid pet agreement to accompany your lease. The tenants have to know what their responsibilities are, many know, always best to have it in writing.

It's not only a buiness decision for me but also a human one.

Dennis M. · Answer

I have some properties I allow pets and some I don’t . I’d rather dogs than cats . In the end it’s only as good as it’s owner . I actually have  great tenants with pit bulls . Incredibly sweet dogs that will wimper and paw at your ankles till you pet their heads and scratch their bellies  . These tenants know that it’s hard to find a landlord that isn’t intimidated by their dogs so they stick with my rental and follow the lease . It really depends on how nice your property is . Some tenants are just too dumb and lazy to care for a dog

Marcia Maynard · Answer

We don't allow pets/animals, unless there's a compelling reason to do so.

Pets can cause significant damage. Most damage is from urine, scratching, and chewing. Pet hair will make its way into the crevices of the homes appliances and heating systems. Yards may suffer from digging and pooping. Pets may create a noise nuisance or physical danger to others. We've spent thousands of dollars rehabbing after pets, especially dogs and cats (puppies and kittens too), birds, and rabbits/guinea pigs.

If you do accept pets/animals, make sure the tenant is a responsible pet/animal owner, keeps their animal under control at all times, and takes good care of it. Have them sign a pet addendum to clarify your expectations and reduce your risk.

Search the forums for more on this topic. Pros and Cons. As said, it's often a personal preference. For us, it's not worth it.

Tenants with Pets is it worth the trouble?

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