You can also talk to the vet or request vet records. Making sure the pet has been vaccinated and treated for fleas and ticks might give you some extra peace of mind. It will also show you that the tenant cares about the animal and will take good care of it.
Remember that there is no law that says you must accept every pet. You can set restrictions based on pet size and pet age. Maybe you’ll allow mature cats and dogs but not puppies and kittens. That’s reasonable. You can also say that all pets must be 20 pounds or less. You can say one pet per tenant is allowed, or one dog and one cat. Set up whatever restrictions will make you feel more comfortable about allowing pets into your property.
Implement a Strong Pet Policy
Keep in mind that even though there are risks present with pet-friendly properties, you can mitigate many of those with a great pet policy.
A solid pet policy will protect your property against the potential for damage and liability. In your pet policy, you can outline how much you’ll collect in pet rent and pet fees. You can also set up requirements and expectations. Dogs should always be leashed, for example, and tenants will be required to clean up after their dogs outside and in common areas.
Please always remember that service animals and support animals are not pets. Even if you decide not to allow pets in your rental home, you still cannot say no to a tenant who needs an accommodation because of a disability. Service animals and support animals are not subject to pet fees or breed restrictions.
We understand the owners who might hesitate to allow pets in their valuable rental homes. It can be difficult to trust that your tenant will prevent pet damage and bad behavior. With a good pet policy, however, and proper pet screening, you can set yourself up for a successful rental experience. As you can see with what we’ve shown you in this blog, the benefits definitely outweigh the risks.
You don’t have to take on all of this liability on your own. If you’re nervous about pets, work with a local property manager who can conduct frequent inspections to ensure your property is not being destroyed by a tenant’s pet.