Given the number of people with dog/cat allergies, I'm very surprised by how common this is. side note, I love animals, and I'm extremely supportive of working dogs, and ESA's...when necessary, not when milking the system.

We stopped allowing cats after a couple of instances of later tenants having allergy issues. 

It makes the houses look newer, cuts down on allergies and I can typically rent the houses both faster and for a higher rate. 

Tenants complain about allergies, pet dander, etc., plus carpet gets filthy and has to be replaced frequently.

I'm not sure why 3 were needed (for food allergies), but I'm pretty sure that was excessive.  

Pets certainly add more risk of renter to renter conflict, not to mention allergies, etc.

Sounds like it was a good standing prior; however, she may have some allergies unknown to her and very well can be mold in areas not visible to the eye.

I brown bag everything (severe food allergies prevent eating out most of the time), drive 2 cars that are 11 years old and have no car payments and have minimal credit card debt.

Smaller breeds can bite, but one coming from a chihuahua poses a much lower risk of injury than a rottweiler's.Future tenants can have allergies to animals, which may imply extensive cleaning or even renovations to make it suitable for them.Regarding your question about fees;Typically, a landlord who allows pets will charge a higher rent to a pet owner, than to a no-pet renter.

No you can't charge extra rent or a pet fee, but I don't believe there's any rule against increasing the security deposit or having the tenant pay for any damages that occur due to the animal being on the property.I read about a landlord requiring any tenant with an ESA to agree to pay for the cost of flooring replacement upon move-out due to the fact that having animals inside could create allergies for future tenants.