Rental Property Investor · TX · Member since 2017 · 42 posts · 26 votes
so my rental has been sitting on the market for a month and a half now. I've gotten a few showings but only one really interested prospective tenant who actually showed. everything on their app and credit report look good. I also have a good vibe about them. only concern is that they have 4 dogs, 3 of which are American pit bulls that are around 40 pounds each. 1 is a pomeranian.
I have a monthly pet fee for each pet ($50 for one and $35 for each thereafter).
my thinking was that this fee should more than cover any potential damage I can think of. but I'm still a little weary. should I rent to them?
Absolutely not. Chances are your insurance will be canceled. I would worry less about the property and more about the dogs killing some kid on the street.
The owners are irresponsible for owning that many dogs and not owning their own home. They will have a great deal of trouble finding any landlord to rent to them. Don't be the one that makes that mistake.
It really sounds like you should be asked by should I let these 4 dogs with a family rent:)
Four dogs may be a city code violation, often there are limits. Pit bulls are always on our restricted breed list. I am in favor of charging pet rent where you can and is appropriate, but if your not able to rent at the price you are at then you are overpriced.
Irresponsible for owning four dogs and not owning their own home? I think you should come back down to earth buddy. People rent for many reasons, and I’m sure having 4 dogs lowers their ability to find apartments. It doesn’t make them irresponsible in the slightest bit. I have 3 dogs and own my own home, it doesn’t mean I’m all knowing and people are just fools if they don’t do what I think they should be doing.
Personally I would not rent to a family of four dogs. However if there was a human living with them to take them on walks and feed them, I would consider it.
so my rental has been sitting on the market for a month and a half now. I've gotten a few showings but only one really interested prospective tenant who actually showed. everything on their app and credit report look good. I also have a good vibe about them. only concern is that they have 4 dogs, 3 of which are American pit bulls that are around 40 pounds each. 1 is a pomeranian.
I have a monthly pet fee for each pet ($50 for one and $35 for each thereafter).
my thinking was that this fee should more than cover any potential damage I can think of. but I'm still a little weary. should I rent to them?
We have a pet policy that is simple, if your dog breed is not on the restricted list, tenant meets all of our qualifiers - period... We have a very rigid policy when it comes to placement and screening, it ensures that we follow all the rules every time equally with every potential candidate, discpline... the short answer is, if you feel this is a "qualified" situation for your business then pursue it, if you feel the decision is not emotional, not monetary and conforms to your policy....... you have your answer
I am not sure if the city would allow that many pets without a kennel permit. Some cities require it so it is something you should look into if even considering it.
I would generally say no, but if I had a somewhat dumpier house and could command above market rents to compensate, it is something I would consider if I was having trouble finding good candidates and that was the only concern. I wouldn't do it short term, but if looking to rent long-term, they could turn out to be good long term tenants.
All I may not know real estate but I do know dogs. In my 12 years of being a veterinarian and working at ERs, I see just as many bite wound injuries from Pit bulls as with Chihuahuas. The difference is however, one tends to be much more fatal then the other.
@Rubin Thomas I rented to a family with 5 dogs one time and it worked out well. We charged an extra $2000 security deposit and $250/month in pet fees. They lived in the house for 3 years and moved out, leaving it spotless. The yard was a bit torn up, but I kept $500 of their deposit for that. In my opinion 4 dogs won't do any more damage than 4 humans can do. I would agree with others as well and check with your insurance provider.