German Shepherd & Engineered Wood Floors?

[Rachel H.]

Hi everyone. I have an applicant for a rental house who has a 3-yr-old 78lb German Shepherd who is an emotional support dog. The house is new and has engineered hardwood floors, which are now in excellent condition. The tenant is ideal in every other respect - good references, long term stable high-level employment with a large national company, income equal to 7x rent, no excessive debt, excellent credit, no red flags, etc. - and he has said he clips the dogs nails every month to minimize any damage to any place he is staying. I *think* engineered hardwood is less likely to scratch, and I have emailed the builder to confirm, but not yet received a response. My questions are: how concerned should I be about damage or scratching to the floors, given all that? Should this be a dealbreaker? If I decide to allow it, what would you recommend I add to the lease for extra protection? I already collect a $250 pet deposit, but that seems like it would be only symbolic if, say, I had to refinish the floors. My gut says it's unlikely there would be so much damage that I'd have to refinish, but this is my first time with this issue. Any input or experiences appreciated! Thank you! 

[Joe Splitrock]

Originally posted by @Rachel H.:

Originally posted by @Joe Splitrock:

My friend had a dog this size that destroyed his hardwood floors over the course of three years. He had to refinish every floor in his house when he went to sell it, which cost thousands. His were not engineered. The difference with engineered floors is they provide a factory finish that is stronger than typical floor stains. That being said, IF that finish is damaged, it can be difficult or impossible to refinish the floor. Usually if you can refinish, it is a one time thing due to thickness.

By the way, that same dog of my friends came over to my house and stood in the entry way. She scratched my ceramic tile floor while being there less than five minutes. 

Bottom line is the tenant is responsible for damage. Take extensive photos and videos of the floors. Do an inspection after 3 months and every 6 months after that. 

 Thank you, Joe! Any particular wording you'd suggest using in the lease to provide extra protection and guarantees for this? 

 I would have them sign a special addendum acknowledging the condition of the floor and accepting that they would be responsible for the cost of refinishing if damaged. In the addendum state that photographs of the scratch free floors were taken on X date.