How To Create A Pet Friendly Rental

While not everyone is willing to accept pets in their rental properties, it can be a lucrative move for some landlords. When you operate in a competitive market, being pet-friendly can help your property stand out from the rest. You can also use it as an opportunity to charge an extra pet fee, pet rent, or other money-making methods. Not only that but with the rise of the millennial generation who treats their pets like "fur babies", you can prepare now for the steadily increasing demand for pet-friendly rentals.

Not only can accepting pets benefit you as a landlord, it can also benefit your community. The  Humane Society states that "problems finding and keeping rental housing leads to the surrender of half a million pets to shelters each year, many of whom aren’t lucky enough to find new homes."

By accepting pets at your rental property, you can be part of the solution to help end pet abandonment and surrender. 

If you do choose to accept pets at your rental property, there are a few things you can do to help make the experience ideal for you and your renters.

#1: Get Rid Of Carpeting

One of the best ways to create a more pet-friendly rental unit is to remove carpeting. By integrating sturdy, durable flooring options, you can cut down on how much wear and tear your property suffers during a pet's stay. Fido's accident won't require a deep cleaning but rather can be handled simply by the tenants at the time it occurs.

Bonus: Carpet tends to age quickly in rentals, even when they aren't pet-friendly. Removing carpeting will not only keep the home nice in the case of pets living there, it will also prevent damages from children and normal day-to-day spills. Switching to another flooring material will also be ideal for those who suffer from allergies, as carpets hold the largest amount of dirt, dander, and other pesky allergens. 

#2: Create Clear Rules

If you are going to accept pets in your rental unit, make sure you create clear rules long before you accept a tenant. Sit down and think about what you expect from tenants who own a pet. This rule sheet should be something you create and provide to tenants with pets. By setting clear expectations with the tenants up front, you will face far fewer issues relating to pets.

For example, your rule sheet might include things such as the following:

• In the case of dogs, owners must keep the dog leashed at all times when outside of the rental unit or private yard. 
• Pets must be under the owner's control at all times.
• Tenant must clean-up after pets promptly (e.g. waste must be cleaned up immediately). 
• Tenant will be held responsible for any damage caused by pets to the property, including damages to landscaping or yard.
• Pets cannot create a noise disturbance, e.g. excessive barking.
• All pet food must be kept in a sealed and tight container
• If the city or local ordinances require the pet to be registered, the tenant must abide by regulations.
• Tenant must provide proof of vaccinations at the time of move-in.
• All dogs and cats must be spayed and neutered.
• Fish tanks must be approved by landlord.
• No additional pets or visiting pets are allowed without landlord approval.

These examples can be modified depending on what pet types you allow in your rental unit. By going over the rules with renters right away, you can prevent misunderstandings down the road or frustration between you and your tenants.

#3: Require Landscaping Services

For renters with pets, a great way to protect your yard is to require landscaping services as part of their rent. This fee can be used to ensure the yard stays well maintained and you will have access to a monthly report on the condition of the property's yard. 

Bonus: This tip isn't just a win for renters with pets, it is a great plan for even renters without pets. Tenants rarely treat a rental yard with the same care as a homeowner would. By requiring landscaping services, you can ensure the yard is not damaged severely due to neglect. 

#4: Welcome Your New Tenants With A Pet-Friendly Gift

Tenant welcome packages are a great way of setting a positive tone for new renters. You can provide a small basket of items that help your tenants out and set the right expectations. For example, including some house cleaning products is useful to tenants and also instills the idea that you expect the property to be kept clean.

When tenants move in with pets, consider including a small gift for their furry pal. A simple dog toy or cat treat can go a long way in expressing to your tenants that their pet truly is welcome. While setting out ground rules is important, be sure you are actually a pet-friendly landlord, not just a pet tolerant landlord. Tenants who feel like you care and know about their pets will be more likely to care about your property as well.

With an increasing number of renters owning pets and a rise of millennials who treat their pets like children, being a truly pet-friendly landlord can provide you with an array of benefits. Reap the profitability of being a pet-friendly landlord and provide those with furry friends a safe place to live.

What about those of you who are pet-friendly landlords? What are your best tips for operating pet-friendly rentals?