Would you rent to someone with a Mastiff Mix?

Question

This only applies to those who would consider renting to a dog in the first place.  The renter sounds good and says the dog is big and lazy.

Patrick L. · Answer

Depends on what the mix is, a mastiff is a very powerful dog and if it's mixed with a more aggressive breed then I'd worry.

I have 2 mastiffs and they're big babies.  They mostly lay around the house all day and have never chewed anything.  If somebody knocks on the door they sound like they're going to kill somebody but other than that they mostly sleep.  They let my 2 year old sit on them and are as gentle as can be.

Brian Mathews · Answer

Everybody thinks their dog is big and lazy and great.  Nobody will tell you they eat walls and poop the size of elephants.

Steve Babiak · Answer

Mike Hurney - my carrier has given us a list.  An old carrier I used in the past also gave a list that I posted in an old thread here on BP.

Here are a couple of threads with list of "problem" breeds:

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/55619-tenant-got-pit-bull-with-out-asking

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52-rental-property-questions-landlording-issues/topics/33749-dogs-in-the-rental-apt

This thread is for Friday amusement reading (about dogs):

http://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/52/topics/40236-5-pit-bulls

Mike Hurney · Answer

I get this a lot and when I'm shaking my head no, they tell me: I've absolutely got to meet the dog, I'll fall in love with her/him...

I've found most pet owners are more conscientious.

But it's my insurance company that has a list of excluded breeds. You guys have anything from your carriers?

George P. · Answer

the fact that 80% of tenants (the official figure in my head) choose to have pets never fails to amaze me...

Steve Babiak · Answer

No, this is an insurance issue.  Your insurer today says they are OK with this dog, and then later you change insurers and find out the new company disallows these; or later your same insurer changes their opinion of these dogs.  There are a number of breeds that are commonly excluded by insurers - IMO don't allow a tenant to have any of them.  And don't accept any tenant applicant that has any of them.

John Thedford · Answer

I would make sure it is not banned by your insurance company. They will not accept certain breeds. BTW--""the unofficial guide to real estate investing" suggests renting to pet owners. It states they tend to stay longer because they are often turned away with pets. I guess you have to weigh the with property damage, etc.

Let us know if you have insurance issues. Thanks.

Felicia W. · Answer

I agree with Patrick and Lynn

As you can see by my picture, I have a mastiff.  I love him to death and he makes the best inside dog I've ever had.  
Definitely depends on the mix.  Meet the dog, is it aggressive?  Is it well mannered?  Is it a puppy, if so is it kept in a crate?  Is it an inside or outside dog?  Most insurance companies don't mind an English or American Mastiff at all.

Karen M. · Answer

My brother-in-law owns a female bull mastiff and she is a big, lazy dog.   She is mostly quiet but has a BIG bark when she chooses. to.   With a dog you will get wear and tear.    A big dog will have big poop, of course.  The dog will probably not tear apart the house, but you might get scratches, etc.    If the owner is a good owner, then it might be OK.  Your call. Good luck!

Lynn McGeein · Answer

I don't judge dogs based on size, and breed is not nearly as important as the owner's treatment of the dog.  I use management now, but I used to require that I met the dog before we sign the lease, and that specific dog (age, name, breed written in the lease) is allowed, no others, all explained when they ask if I allow dogs (also told them they can bring their dog when I show them the house if they like, less waste of time for everyone).  You can usually tell in one short meeting what the relationship is between the dog and its owners, and also how the dog responds to you.   If it's jumping all over me, won't sit when I ask, or aggressive in any way, I explain that I already told them well-trained family dog only.  Definitely check on insurance as they do have breed restrictions.  I used to think the K-9 Good Citizen certificate was a good alternative, but I've recently met too many unruly dogs that have it, like the testing got too slack or something.

Would you rent to someone with a Mastiff Mix?

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