Potential Tenant w/Pet

[Aaron Mayo]

Hello,

I’m currently accepting applications for my very first rental property. It’s a 2 lvl condo, 2bed, 2bath. My questions is around what’s everyone experience with allowing cats and dogs in their rental properties? I’m allowing small pets, <25lbs and I’ve received a few applications that have dogs or cats. I’m not so worried about dogs and am more worried about cats. My place has been updated with LVP, 12mil wear layer so I think it will hold up to any pets having occasional accidents in the home. I just don’t want any crazy smells (I hear cat urine smell is strong) or damages.
I will be collecting a $50 pet monthly fee and $350 additional pet deposit. 

Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with dogs or cats? Do you prefer one over the other? Any thing I should look for with the tenant? I appreciate your help. 

[Pamela W.]

I have had tenants with a dog, and now one with a cat. Neither was an issue. The house has hardwood flooring throughout, so if an accident happens, easy enough to clean. If you vet your tenants carefully, they are likely responsible people who will in turn be responsible for their animals. As you have flooring rather than carpet, even more unlikely you will have an issue. I only own one small house, though, unlike many folks here who own many rentals and maybe more likely to encounter the downsides. Allowing pets will enlarge your applicant pool, and as many rentals disallow pets, your tenants are probably going to be careful not to let their pets be destructive.