All Forum Posts by: Jenny Jones

I appoligize for  taking up your thread@JoZhou As I am new to this site and not good on figuring out where to post what yet...

@Jo Zhouundefined

Thanks for renting to folks with dogs Dan.Hopefully cats too...... I love cats and actually have a cat rescue ! So your insurance company will allow rots? and not pits??  Could you require the pit folks put a muzzel on there pets while in yard to comply with your rules?  You said you have large dogs at your rentals... I dont like liars, so would prefer folks to be honest up front if they have or want a dog , support or not.  And usually dont get along with a liar tenant  before its all over.... So feel your pain on that issue. Yes i know there is liars in this business tho unfortunetly.. 75% of all dogs in shelters are pits or pit mixes.

 We divided our triplex yard into 3 yards, doesnt look to bad(mostly wood fencing)..... We also did that at our double. Not sure if you could do a reasonable dog area ,and have tenants comply to do as told  if open to all.(maybe in a 4 plex ) 

Ive not had anyone trying to pull the scam on me with the support dogs as I  look for big restricted breed dog folks. I actually advertise on rescue and humane society pages ect for this...  I am well known in Indpls for doing this, and network with  5-6 other landlords doing the same!..   It seems  the news folks sensationalize the pits being the bad guys on  the news if a child is hurt.. You dont see alot of collie or retrievers  dog bites ect..... and they do happen alot, they just arent in the news !..... It isnt fair how folks perceive pits.... Ill tell you those little dogs at the rescue could be ruthless, Ill take a pit any day.....I dont know the statistics Dan, only trying to  convey to the owners and landlords the real need for this type rental is needed... and for me I stay full..... and our houses are very nice !

.....  These folks who are looking for  a home with there over  50 pound dogs and  restricted breeds have no options other than be passionate about  finding a home... I will agree that they  should wait till they own a home, as  most owners do not feel as I do . Which is sad.....

 But lets face it , in America its cool to "rescue" pets now a days and esp pits.So you know these young couples are gonna be into that...  Hell there is even a pitbull show on tv  too. I think you have to own one or two to understand the breed. I have !

  Pitbulls are quiet dogs, and they  are short haired and not as messy as  say a cocker spaniel.... you get my point. but once again Dan thanks for renting to pets period...... 

Thanks for renting to folks with dogs Dan.Hopefully cats too...... I love cats and actually have a cat rescue ! I dont like liars, so would prefer folks to be honest up front if they have or want a dog , support or not.  Yes i know there is liars in this business tho unfortunetly..  We divided a triplex yard into 3 yards, doesnt look to bad(mostly wood fencing)...... Not sure if you could do a reasonable dog area and have tenants comply to do as told  if open to all.(maybe) Ive not had anyone trying to pull the scam on me with the support dogs as I  look for big restricted breed dog folks. I actually advertise on rescue and humane society pages ect for this...  I am well known in Indpls for doing this and network with  5-6 other landlords doing the same..   It seems they sensationalize the pits being the bad guys on  the news if a child is hurt.. You dont see alot of collie or retrievers  dog bites ect..... and they do happen alot, they just arent in the news !..... It isnt fair how folks perceive pits.... Ill tell you those little dogs at the rescue could be ruthless, Ill take a pit any day.....I dont know the statistics Dan, only trying to  convey to the owners and landlords the real need for this type rental is needed... and for me i stay full..... and our houses are very nice .....  These folks who are looking for  a home with there over  50 pound dogs and  restricted breeds have no options other than be passionate about  finding a home... I will agree that they  should wait till the own a home, as  most owners do not feel as I do . Which is sad......  Pitbulls are quiet dogs, and they  are short haired and not as messy as  say a cocker spaniel.... you get my point. but once again Dan thanks for renting to pets period...... 

Folks I worked in a animal rescue for 3 years, poodles and  chi' dogs bite more than large dogs Pitbulls ect... We as owners need to take a stand against this bias of large and supposed"restricted" dogs..... with insurance companies.... How can you ask a tenant to give up a family member???!! Its a very passionate issue for them.  I use State Farm and don't care if its more money for me, as one of you said higher rates!..... I have  folks with these restricted pets calling me weekly to rent from me.... How can you be a  pet lover, and give in to this ? Where do the large and restricted dogs end up kill shelters..... Be the solution !

Look for Rescues close to your property for the pups.... work with the owner to have the pups once they are done nursing and weaned  , released to the rescue.... donate a tax deductable donation to be sure the pups are taken care of properly,and they hopefully will have room for your  tenants pups!... Tell tenant if they are small dog gates are to be used inside to contain the pups. and  puppy pens outside if little guys.. Leases renew. When was his move in date? originally? Make a lease for this man at his renewal date,(or before) to gain some control of things bothering you.. The man will or should be very happy  you  are willing to work with and value his renting from you....On your next lease to this man require proof of the spay and neuter and shots, rabies ect. proper flea treatment is use on the original dogs.  Flea treatment is very important  to use quality flea meds for safety of the pet and so your home isnt filled with fleas... Have this man show you proof of the flea reciept medication monthly till you can trust him..You can find rescues for your tenant  on petfinder.com. Type in your  zip code, or the rental  zip code, than youll see a list pop up of close by rescues. This is puppy season, so give it a shot...  Build a fence for the  dogs and any future dogs you may rent to ! Folks are looking for pet friendly homes to rent! A fence is a investment/improvment for your property. I believe you can spread it on your depreciation even. We do.  You can if low on funds even make a deal with the guy , youll buy the parts, he does the labor to your specs(you watch him do work closely).... Communication is key to a good tenant relationship. I will not rent to folks who dont have or will not have there pets spayed and neutered..... totally vetted and cared for.... even up here in Indiana, i require they are heart worm tested and meds given monthly! Folks willing to care for there fur family, are willing to take care of your properties generally ! As finding landlords/owners who rent to folks with pets is somtimes a hard thing to find! Solves any miscommunications later and litters of pups, kittens ect......  You will need to require renters liability insurance as well with the dogs listed yearly, and  a rabies shot each year. Youll need copies..... I dont require the other shots except at move in.....  Normally pet folks are good people...  

 Thanks Dave Foster, Ill discuss what you said to hubby tonite at date nite !! We  go every week to hear good music, and drink good beer at the place we first met.. lol  What Im hearing is "refinance" what we have and pay off our primary , and maybe some of the smaller debt ones ! Im hearing dont do the private investor and bank routes? ect.. And continue one a year or so till I can convince honey , he could make double what he makes in a year with a flip... Im being realistic here, with what I want to manage.  A flip would be a new concept for us...We do need our cycle riding time on weekends too, as honey works hard all week. lol   I did a  1031  exhange with the last husband and the rentals. The triplex was actually one from a house he owned in California. @Dave Foster

 Couple  2 sounds like a better risk to me !  Thats quite a jump in rent on couple  1 ! I require they have a  year landlord(non related) referene, all adults and that all adults have a  year solid job reference , or disability award proof.  Get all vetting imfo for dog , and ask for renters insurance that lists the dog as there libility.  Require them to use quality flea products monthly in georgia. Ask to see proof of reciept of this.. Look at public pics of  this couple to see if looks like current living situation , house is taken care of.   You than will only have to require yearly rabies copies and yearly rental insurance copies..

 Number one you make it real clear what you want your property manger to do with your homes.  If they have  done a good job other than this, just have a sit down over coffee and discuss what you want and why your landlord is so passionate about this issue.

 Number two what are you afraid of with pitbulls?  These folks generally make the  best tenants as they cant find decent places to live with there beloved pets. Take a look at any pics these potential tenants may have public to see if they look like they are keeping there current rental clean, well kept. See if the dog is a part of the family. Happy families keep your places up better.  Ask to meet the potential pup.. Tell your landlord to ,and to check out there current living situation if they have maintained the property with the pup. 

Change insurance companies if you have a issue to State Farm. There is a movement going on all across the nation, that big dogs, and restricted breeds are more readilty accepted in rentals. Thank you  God !

Require your tenant to carry renters insurance with liability  spelled out on there policy for there pup.

Set rules for the dogs behavior before move in..... Total vetting is one. 

Do a  3 month inspection on place to be sure you are happy dog is not destructing things..

I say rent to pitbull folks every time..... As long as they are responsible and good paying tenants.. 

  I do not state I will not rent to tiny children upstairs of course...I show upstairs rentals to folks with small children if asked to. I take there applications if asked to. Most potential tenants  knowing my" heavy duty noise rules", decide children in upstairs unit will not work. I sometimes offer networking with my fellow landlords with better situations for small children and pets if i have nothing available that will work for them .

However a owner/landlord can make the ultimate decision on who will be renting there units.

 I clarify up front in writing(having all adults intial as they read) the rules for cleaning up there own dogs messes. I have rules of no outside dogs, only out while owner at home to monitor there  noise level and there safety. I fence high fences to keep pups safe, and other dogs out of my yards!. I only allow inside vetted cats. Outside cats, must be on harness and leash or a small catio provided. In the triplex, I hire a guy to mow , weed, pick up trash ect... Each unit has there own little fenced area for there dogs.  In single family homes, the tenant is responsible for all  yard maintence... I gear my self towards responsible pet owners in first place. All pets must be fixed, all current shots intially, rabies ect.... quality flea meds monthly ( 9 mo out of year in Indiana), and ask for reciepts till i trust the tenant... Suggest fixes i know of for barking dogs , such as classical music, comfort zone plug ins, thunder shirts... Insulate  center walls and  ceilings  with blow in insulation.... I specialize in multiple pets and  restricted breed dog owners and have  a very successful waiting list  for tenants.... They arent on market for more than a day generally.. I do not charge extra for pets. I do not charge a monthly fee. Kids are harder on rentals, so if your gonna charge these fees , do it for kids too. Most of my  houses have pets and a kids too! I use state farm and have no problems with  restricted dog issues.... I require my tenants to carry renters insurance with the dogs listed. I require copies of all this imfo i have mentioned yearly. My tenants generally stay for over  2 years,(which is the length of my lease) till they buy there own places. If you spell every thing out  up front it does help!..... I have so many applicants Immediately , I to pick the most qualified and matching tenants in multi units to allievate potential problems down the road. I look for pit bull owners ,they are quiet, great dogs. Pets in general cause less damage than children do.... ( 18 years experience). I put in upstairs units, pad and than  thick vinyl roll in kitchen and carpet in bedrooms. Living room we did go with pad than wood on floor.(which mightve been a mistake) In all other units , we have either real hard wood, I can redo and tile, which is the cheapest resources we have found for rentals, and great for pet owners.. Carpet isnt cheap, and I dont like it.  Id suggest a fence or decorative fence for the lady with the dogs pooing in  her yard..  Oh yes  we never allow tenants to fix anything in our homes. We do all the work period.. This way we know every inch of our homes. We are very proud of all our homes.

ive had to always only rent to either day folks or nite folks in my triplex for this reason.  And i avoid small children for this reason in this location.....  I have actually had to evict someone for this reason.....  we also installed  66 bags of insulation in the basement apt ceiling to help buffer, which did help..