Worth it to allow pets?

[Erica Moore]

I'm setting up a new rental (large SFR with backyard) in Cozy and can't decide if I should allow pets or not. My current tenants don't have pets, so it didn't come up previously, but with the new listing I'm leaning towards allowing cats and not dogs (or small dogs, but that doesn't seem to be an option). I can also choose to not specify and have that conversation with whoever applies I guess, but is it better to set expectations up front? I'd ideally not like to deal with them, but also don't want to limit my renter pool too much.

What have you seen success/issues with?

[Greg M.]

Around 62% of households have a pet. Saying no to pets reduces your renter pool by 2/3. 

Anyone who wants a pet can have one. All the tenant needs to do is say that the pet is an Emotional Support Animal and you are out of luck and basically have to accept the animal.

Charge a pet fee if you like, but many people will get around this by claiming ESA. Best bet is to allow pets, price a pet into the rent regardless of whether the renter has one, and get a large enough deposit to cover damages.