Pets are considered occupants

[Lettie T.]

A local property management company limits occupancy to "2 heartbeats per bedroom." Their definition of heartbeat is literally anything with a heartbeat, so people AND pets. I've never seen anything like this before and thought it was an interesting concept. I can see how this could ensure compliance with our local occupancy laws, prevent parking issues, and maybe even discourage large fish tanks (fish have heartbeats too! :-).

I've just started shopping for my first rental property. And as I set up my own approval criteria and policies, I would love to hear what experienced landlords think of this use of the word heartbeat, as opposed to saying people or occupants. What could be the downside? Is anyone else using similar language?

[Lauren Do]

I can only imagine what would happen if someone tried to enforce something like this on a couple who was pregnant.