She had a bunch of pets she wasn't supposed to have, and the whole place had to be re-carpeted and repainted.

Pets are ok in the lease, not the destruction of your rental.

For example, if you do t accept pets, but you have a great candidate who has a small dog, you may decide to let that go.For this location, know your audience.

@Meghan Sullivan Your in good hands on BP smart move asking for support in your new rental business.The most important factor above all is yes to know your rental tenant laws for your state, so google it, find out if you have a housing association for landlords that has resources for you to use.As for security deposits,, I'd forego asking for that,, unless they have a pet.. and I'd make sure if you don't have any pets, you don't permit any pets in the future..and put that in you new lease. 

They did it for two reasons.  1) They were moving to my area from out of state, but did not have jobs lined up yet  2) They requested I waive the $300 pet deposit if they paid 6 months up front (still paid the normal one month security deposit).For me, it worked out well. 

My Pet Agreement says, "Tenant agrees to clean up after the pet and to dispose of pet’s waste properly and quickly.

Walls and doors were fisted and damaged, windows blinds were cut, appliances were trashed.She was supposed to replace the carpet on move out as per the singed lease agreement because she have pets (a dog and 2 cats).

mice, love food from pet dishes so don't leave cat or dog food out or in the paper bags.. 

@Justin Jaeger,Speaking as a single, former professional person with no children, a property like that might be good for someone who works days and doesn't care about the school across the street, but doesn't have the family / pet issues the other posters have mentioned.

I agree with Steve, and also another landlord said they will always rent to pet owners...they are generally more responsible and you plan to replace flooring and paint at move out but generally they do not move out when they find a place that accepts animals...so you get kids or animals...?