Do you allow pets? Why or why not?

Tenant Screening
1yFollow

Do you allow pets? Why or why not?

James Guillot
Investor · Louisville, KY · Member since 2020 · 52 posts · 42 votes

Do you allow pets on your lease? I currently don't have any rentals, and I'm trying to get a feel for the landlord mindset before I switch over in a couple years.

Out of the flips that I've done, I have spent far more repairing or removing damage from cats than I have dogs. Personally, I prefer dogs, and I wouldn't have an issue with most breeds. Cats are okay, but the damage they cause with stains and smells is hard to ignore.

The way I see it, location is the most important factor for dogs, though. Small rental+big city=bored dogs (especially large and high energy breeds). Bored dogs do quite a bit of damage, so if it's a 1200 sq ft house in a big city, I would probably stick to lap dogs only, or none at all. One the other hand, in areas that are more suburban or rural, large and high energy breeds don't seem to be as much of a problem and would be more likely to be covered in a pet deposit.

I understand that much of it has more to do with the owners than the animal. What are your thoughts? Does anyone have any tenant animal horror stories?

1Reply
146 views

Most Popular Reply

Stuart UdisPro Member
Attorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
1y

I allow cats and dogs in all of my properties. Nearly half of my tenants have a dog or cat, some both.  I would severely limit my prospective tenant pool by implementing a restriction. I find responsible tenants generally = responsible pet owners.  I also have no carpeted units. That may influence restrictions, particularly for cats. 

[email protected]
3Reply
See this reply in the discussion

9 Replies

Jump to latestLatest
  • Ken M.
    Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y
    Quote from @James Guillot:

    Do you allow pets on your lease? I currently don't have any rentals, and I'm trying to get a feel for the landlord mindset before I switch over in a couple years.

    Out of the flips that I've done, I have spent far more repairing or removing damage from cats than I have dogs. Personally, I prefer dogs, and I wouldn't have an issue with most breeds. Cats are okay, but the damage they cause with stains and smells is hard to ignore.

    The way I see it, location is the most important factor for dogs, though. Small rental+big city=bored dogs (especially large and high energy breeds). Bored dogs do quite a bit of damage, so if it's a 1200 sq ft house in a big city, I would probably stick to lap dogs only, or none at all. One the other hand, in areas that are more suburban or rural, large and high energy breeds don't seem to be as much of a problem and would be more likely to be covered in a pet deposit.

    I understand that much of it has more to do with the owners than the animal. What are your thoughts? Does anyone have any tenant animal horror stories?

    Pets give you parasites. Parasites give you autoimmune diseases. Just sayin'
    0Reply
  • Stuart UdisPro Member
    Attorney · Philadelphia · Member since 2018 · 2k+ posts · 3k+ votes
    1y

    I allow cats and dogs in all of my properties. Nearly half of my tenants have a dog or cat, some both.  I would severely limit my prospective tenant pool by implementing a restriction. I find responsible tenants generally = responsible pet owners.  I also have no carpeted units. That may influence restrictions, particularly for cats. 

    [email protected]
    3Reply
  • Gustavo Delgado
    Houston, TX · Member since 2015 · 261 posts · 170 votes
    1y

    you need to read your insurance policy regarding dog breed restrictions. At most I would allow a small dog (less than 25 pounds, full grown) and charge a pet fee (pet rent) 

    2Reply
  • Eric Gerakos
    Investor · Costa Mesa, CA · Member since 2016 · 1k+ posts · 1k+ votes
    1y

    I don't allow pets. I buy in desirable vs affordable locations and I'm always fully rented. 

    1Reply
  • Emory ClaytonPro Member
    Member since 2019 · 66 posts · 25 votes
    10mo

    I allow pets, however max 2 pets at any 1 property. I use https://www.petscreening.com/ to screen the pets. They evaluate the breed/size/age/etc and give a score accordingly. Based on the score, I know what fee to charge. This is all done prior to any Tennant using to avoid any claims of discrimination. I also upload all of the breeds my insurance won't cover, so in the event a potential Tennant uploads documentation that matches one of the restricted breeds, they're automatically disqualified. The Tennant pays petscreening directly, and I get a report after they have finished uploading all of their documentation. 
    Also in my listing, I state that I do allows pets, however restrictions and fees apply. This is to avoid any misconceptions, and allow would be time wasters (people with 6 German Shepherds) to move onto another property instead of wasting mine and their time. I also have it asked in my pre-qualification how many pets they do have, and another question asks if they have any of the breeds that are listed. 

    All of this is done to avoid wasting time, and complaints and/or issues from a potential Tennant that states "They didn't know"

    1Reply
  • Allison Park
    Member since 2024 · 158 posts · 87 votes
    10mo

    I love animals and have cats and dogs myself.  None have caused any major damage to my houses.  I allow them.  If there is damage the renter can repair it or take it from the security deposit.  I think kids are worse but you can't not allow them lol.

    1Reply
  • Emily Koelsch
    Rental Property Investor · Memphis, TN · Member since 2022 · 48 posts · 43 votes
    10mo

    I allow pets in my rentals and have never had any issue. Recent Zillow data shows that around 60% of tenants have pets (and that number is higher in single-family homes, which is what I rent). Allowing pets allows you to attract a larger applicant pool - and to attract/retain longterm, quality tenants. 

    That said, I have clear pet policies to help minimize the damage and collect a pet deposit. Also, my leases include the specific pets allowed in the rental (tenants have to get written approval to add a pet). I've never had a tenant request more than two pets, so it hasn't been an issue.  

    My advice: allow pets, but use a pet addendum in your lease agreement and have clear pet policies that you enforce. Good luck!

    1Reply
  • Curtis Mears
    Property Manager · Raleigh, NC · Member since 2014 · 728 posts · 596 votes
    9mo

    I allow pets as long as I meet the pet before move in. I do charge a one time nonrefundable fee of $450 per pet, max of 2 pets. I have not had issues with pets damaging the properties, except a few small issues which the renters have paid for. Since all my properties are sfh, people with pets are attracted to them as they allow more freedom for the pet owner and it makes my properties more leasable.

    0Reply
    • Ken M.
      Investor · Get yourself trained before doing something inadvisable. · Member since 2024 · 3k+ posts · 1k+ votes
      9mo
      Quote from @Curtis Mears:

      I allow pets as long as I meet the pet before move in. I do charge a one time nonrefundable fee of $450 per pet, max of 2 pets. I have not had issues with pets damaging the properties, except a few small issues which the renters have paid for. Since all my properties are sfh, people with pets are attracted to them as they allow more freedom for the pet owner and it makes my properties more leasable.

      I like your idea of meeting the pet. I'd also take a picture. Dog personalities vary by the dog, so knowing that it's a friendly dog and potty trained helps. 

      I like the smell of dog and cat pee when I go to buy a property. The seller has a limited number of buyers and I can get very favorable terms. :-)
      0Reply
Join the conversationCreate a free account to reply, vote on answers and follow this thread.
Log InJoin for Free