Multiple pets on 6 month lease - Worthwhile?

Question

I know most of this forum is "pro-pets".  I have a vacant newly renovated apartment with newly finished wood floors.  A potential tenant has a small (25lbs) and large dog (70lbs) and needs a 6 month lease because they're in between houses.  I'm thinking it's not worth the hassle with the short lease, even with higher pet fees.  Would anyone else care to weigh in on their thoughts?

Stephen E. · Answer

@Marcia Maynard is on the money with damages. I just had this issue with a tenant with three small pets (small dog, two cats). I basically decided that a long term tenant was worth taking on some pet related damage risk. Also, I was renting a townhouse not an apartment, and townhouse residents seem to be more interested in having pets.

But that is not your situation @Rich C. You have newly finished hard wood floors and a 70lb dog in mind. There is no way I would do this, it is a recipe for trouble. Why would you spend money on floor refinishing only to let a large dog pound its way all over it? I see damage and expense in your future if you do this. There are more appropriate tenants and if you keep advertising and showing you will find one. This is worth a month of vacancy if it comes to that.

Marcia Maynard · Answer

@Rich C. It's not just the risk of gouging of the wood, it is the risk of urine damage too and what hair does to a HVAC system. @Marc Cunningham is right about getting their signature on a pet addendum and an adequate security deposit.

Rich C. · Answer

Everyone, thank you for the input.

Marc Cunningham · Answer

I would consider the 25lbs dog, but a 70lbs dog on newly finished hardwoods floors is a risk I would not take unless you can get a very large (two months rent) security deposit or large non-refundable pet fee.

Also be sure to have them sign a good pet addendum.

Jesse T. · Answer

If they have been renters, you might try to go back a couple landlords and see what condition was when they left.

It doesn't sound ideal, but if they look good otherwise it might be worth avoiding the vacancy.

Bryan N. · Answer

@Rich C.

6 months or 12 months doesn't matter.  If the owners are responsible the pets will be fine.  If they aren't, then expect the worse.

Multiple pets on 6 month lease - Worthwhile?

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