Renting to a pet owner?

Question

I have stayed away from renting to a pet owner in the past, but I feel like more and more people have pets. The apartment is newly renovated with new finished hardwood floors. What should I do?

Amanda Wirch · Answer

As someone with 2 large breed dogs, I can tell you that the way to go is to just charge more rent, and then market directly to pet owners.  I know that renting with dogs is rough, and I am willing to pay significantly more than many for a smaller apartment, simply because they a) allow dogs (multiples, and large), and b) have hardwoods that will hold up to the inescapable "messes" that come with having dogs (yeah, bodily fluids, but also mud, snowy paws, and lots of fluff....)

Rachel Jacobson · Answer

@Ryan McAllian - Are you having trouble finding tenants? If so, opening up your rental to pet owners will widen your applicant pool. It will also put some more wear and tear on those hardwood floors, but maybe it will be worth it to you to have someone stay longer.

If you don't have frequent vacancies, you can table this question and come back to it in a few years.

I know some landlords who don't allow dogs of any breed but will allow other pets. This may be a a good "middle of the road" option for you.

Thomas S. · Answer

I have a 20 lb cocker. It has torn up the hardwood stairs in my home. Forget the pet fee and simply raise the rent $100 - $200 per month. If tenants want the privilege of having a pet in someone else's property make them pay. If they don't like it they can buy their own home.

Tchaka Owen · Answer

@Ryan McAllian - I prefer a 2 deposit structure for pets: 1 refundable, the other non-refundable. For example, $100 non, $200 refundable based on the home being as they entered. Most will take a bit better care.

As far as hardwood, that's a tough one...….maybe deny larger dogs. Others have mentioned aggressive breeds, however I'm not on board with that. The owners will be fudged if they don't take care of the "aggressive" pets. Eighty pound dogs with long nails will likely beat the floor up more than a 10 pound cat, that's what you should think about.

Alex Smith · Answer

We see ~70% of potential renters wanting to rent with at least one pet. Like John, we do not rent to what our insurance company considers aggressive dog breeds. We also charge a $300 non refundable pet fee

Thomas S. · Answer

Expect to possibly have to redo the hardwood floors after they move out. If you take in tenants with pets this is considered normal wear and tear.

John Underwood · Answer

@Ryan McAllian I find that pet owners stay longer and have been good tenants for the most part.

I do not charge extra per month but I do charge a non refundable pet fee of about $300. This is free money and pet owners expect to have to pay this.

I have not had any pet damage. I have had a lot of people damage.

I try and eliminate carpet and add fenced back yards to attract pet owners.

Do not allow aggressive breed dogs to avoid having the insurance company cancel the policy.

You can google typical aggressive breed dogs to find pets you should not allow. Notice I said pets and not service animals.

Service animals is a whole other discussion and you can't charge extra or a pet fee for a service animal.