What to do about the dogs?

Question

Aaron K. · Answer

Your property your rules, you can do whatever you want but if you are looking for a "fair" solution you can split the yard with a fence so you each have your own private space.

Vaughn Smith · Answer

@Frankie Torres its the old "Don't do what I do, do what I say thing" :-). On a serious note the pet's that you have on the premises as the owner doesn't obligate you to accept pets in your property, (though you may want to pet friendly rentals are always in demand) just know that having the pets on the property might make some renters think twice about living there if they don't like dogs, have allergies etc

Ray Harrell · Answer

@Frankie Torres, after reading the posts, it sounds like you won't be living on the same properties. In that case, if you don't want pets, don't allow them. I originally thought you were living in the same multi unit and forbidding pets when you, yourself have pets on the same property. You can disallow pets and limit your tenant pool but preserve your finishes (hopefully), or allow pets and cash in on responsible pet owners.

Aaron K. · Answer

@Frankie Torres I haven't looked at the laws intensely but my understanding is that a fence would be legal in every state similar to how you can fence off an area for a dog kennel or vegetable garden.

John Bryson · Answer

@Frankie Torres As long as you're comfortable with the laws in your state...(This should govern your leases as well) you may not need to consult with an attorney JUST for this issue....It's never a bad idea to run things by a real estate attorney anyways.

Katie Stewart · Answer

Like the previous posts said, I would charge a pet fee and maybe even pet rent! It will make your property more competitive if you're pet friendly and you could possibly attract more renters. As was mentioned, make sure you comprehensively screen the tenant to see if they seem like they'll be responsible pet owners.

John Bryson · Answer

In my experience(3 dogs/1cat) It's insanely difficult to rent a home while having large pets, or more than one.

Allowing pets will put you ahead of other rentals and yes, you can charge more per month and have a pet deposit which should cover any expenses occurred by the tenant.  Just be very clear on pets you will/will not allow, make sure you understand the support/medical/emotional pets laws in your state as well.

Ultimately, if you're screening your tenants correctly, you'll be choosing tenants who are responsible pet owners anyways....Hope this helps!

-John

Ray Harrell · Answer

I'm not sure what YOU having pets has to do with your tenants. How would they know? Do you live in a duplex? It would be hypocritical to not allow tenants to have pets on the same property that you have pets. However, it IS your property and you can make any request you want. I'd just charge a pet FEE (not deposit which will be refundable less damages).

What to do about the dogs?

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