or "most properties don't seem to allow pets, but i plan to allow them, so how much do you think we can bump the rent for that?"

For example, I mention that every adult must pay a $30 application fee, pass my credit/criminal background, make a combined income of 3x the rent, and whether or not the property accepts pets.

And we don't allow pets on this property where we always allow pets on our other properties.)

Key: cleanliness, keeping food contained and not leaving pet food out, exclusion (blocking holes where rodents can enter), keeping vegetation away from the building.If it becomes a serious problem or infestation, then call in the pros.

After about 2 weeks I took off the pet restriction because I read other reviews that highly encouraged it.

Have a good lease with "teeth" - late fees for late rent, occupancy rules, pet rules and etc. - and do not violate your own lease by being too easy, or very quickly you will not have any lease at all and your tenant(s) will do whatever they want at your expense. 

Criteria:6 months STR2 bd, 2 ba, Single Level House Furnished with yard, washer & dryer with A/C (inland not near coast)Pet Allowable 40 lb labodor 10 yrs, 40 lbs Red Heeler Mix and 6 lbs catNear VA Hospital, shops, grocery stores (at least 25 minutes commute)

nearly every single applicant will tell me their pet is either ESA or Service dog.  

I like how I can dig into the competition and see their nightly rate, pet policy, etc.   

We're wondering about various what-if's though, such as what if the people tear up the place, what if we don't want to rent to someone in particular due to references or credit or pets, etc.