“Pet ownership in the U.S. has jumped significantly over the past three decades,” according to
Forbes. “As of 2023, 66% of U.S. households (86.9 million homes) own a pet.” If you own a rental property (or you are considering
buying one), refusing to accept pets could eliminate more than half of potential tenants. On the other hand, pets can create additional risks – damage, noise, liability issues, etc.
So, should you allow pets in your rental property, or shouldn’t you? There is no one-size-fits-all answer to that question. You need to understand the pros and cons of both, and if you decide to accept pets, take steps to mitigate the additional risks they create.
Pros of Allowing Pets in Your Rental Property
- Higher Income
In some states, including Pennsylvania, you can charge higher rent, pet fees, or a pet deposit for tenants with pets (except service animals). For someone with a pet, that additional cost may be worth it.
- Bigger Potential Tenant Pool
“Nearly ninety percent of renters are pet owners,” according to the
American Apartment Owners Association. “Millions of renters from around the country are in need of pet-friendly apartments. In 2008, more than 11 million searches for apartments that allow cats and dogs were conducted on Apartments.com.”
- Lower Turnover
The more your rental property feels like home to your tenant, the more likely they are to stay longer, and for many, a house is not a home without a pet.
- Healthier and Happier Tenants
Healthier and happier tenants tend to be better tenants. “Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure,” according to the
National Institutes of Health. “Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.”
- Decreased Chance of Unacceptable Pets
If you allow pets, tenants are more likely to be upfront about whether or not they have a pet rather than trying to sneak it onto the property.
Cons of Allowing Pets in Your Rental Property
- Damage
Pets can cause damage to your rental property by peeing on carpets, scratching doors, chewing on baseboards, etc.
- Noise
Excessive barking can disturb neighbors.
- Odor
Litter boxes must be kept clean, or they begin stinking. Peeing on the carpet can leave a permanent odor. Improperly groomed pets can also cause odors.
- Injuries
Dogs can bite, and cats can scratch, causing injuries to neighbors and yourself.
- Allergy Issues
Pet allergies may be an issue if you have a multi-unit rental. “Allergies to cats and dogs affect 10 to 20% of the world’s population,” according to the
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
Steps to Mitigate the Risks Pets Create
- Screen Tenants
Whether a potential tenant has pets or not, you should always thoroughly screen them to ensure they are a good fit. This screening becomes even more critical if they have a pet. Primary screening, such as checking credit, criminal, and eviction histories and talking to references, can help determine if a potential tenant is a responsible pet owner. You should also meet the animal to see if it is well-behaved and well-groomed and ask questions such as “How long will the pet be left alone?” and “Is the pet spayed or neutered?”
- Create a Pet Policy for Renters
Provide and go over a written pet policy with potential renters (even those without pets, as they may get a pet later). That policy should include types of pets allowed, number of pets, tenant and landlord rules and responsibilities, etc.
- Charge a Pet Deposit
A pet deposit collected when a tenant first moves in can be used to repair damages caused by the pet when the tenant moves out. Check with local state and housing laws to ensure that pet deposits are permitted.
- Understand Insurance and HOA Pet Restrictions
Insurance companies or HOAs sometimes restrict certain breeds or larger dogs. Check on those restrictions before agreeing to accept pets.
- Require Renters Insurance
Ensure that your insurance covers injuries caused by animals and require your renters to have renters’ insurance that covers dog bites and other injuries caused by pets.
- Create a More Pet Friendly Property
There are steps you can take to
make your rental property more pet friendly, such as installing vinyl, linoleum, or tile floors rather than wall-to-wall carpeting, using high-gloss, semi-gloss or satin paints, and more.
Looking for a Rental Property?
Pete Heim has over thirty-five years of real estate experience and more than two hundred 5-star independent customer ratings! If you’re looking to buy a rental property, Pete is a great choice!
Call him today at
610-745-3378
or
610-898-1441 or
connect with him online.
