For pet renters: what is the worst that has happened?

[Account Closed]

I love dogs and have always had them, but I totally get the reservation about having them in a rental when you can't be there to see that they are well behaved. I'm curious to learn more about what BP has experienced as typical and worst-case impacts on the rental from pets.

[Tracy Scanlon]

Usually renting to dog owners is fine.  I require the renter have an insurance policy without a dog bite exclusion.  That means their insurance would be on the line if the dog bites someone.  I also have them sign a rider along with their lease that covers how they will take care of the dog, and my expectations.  I've been able to rent the apartments more easily, and the tenants have stayed for longer periods of time.  So far so good!

I did have a relative who let her friends with dogs stay in her apartment while she was abroad for 6 months and the small dogs chewed a hole in the bathroom door.  Turns out the friend was locking the dogs up in the bathroom when she left and perhaps wasn't walking them enough.