Did you know that almost 90 million, or two-thirds, of households in the United States own a pet? Many people find comfort and entertainment in taking care of an animal. Most families consider their pet to be a member of the unit.
However, things can get thorny when it comes to renting with pets. If you own a rental property, you should iron out your rental pet policies before you open your unit to potential tenants.
So, what are the pros and cons of pets in a rental property? Here are some things to consider before you decide if pet-friendly rentals are right for you.
Pro: Wider Tenant Selection
If you need to find a tenant fast, then you should consider allowing pets in your rental. Since so many families own pets, there is a likelihood that you'll find someone more quickly when you relax restrictions.
Con: Potential Property Damage
Renting to anyone is a risk, but pet owners come with a specific set of potential negative outcomes. Pets can cause major property damage, which can cost you more than they are worth.
Even with a security deposit, the damage may be too great. For instance, pet urine and feces are a huge problem. Sometimes these odors soak into carpets and wood flooring, which means they'll need to be replaced completely.
For pet-friendly rentals, consider putting in stain-resistant flooring and other features that will keep damage at bay.
Pro: Compliance With Laws
Before you reject possible tenants due to their animals, make sure they don't have a service animal. According to the Americans With Disabilities Act, it is against the law to turn away these types of tenants.
You also need to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with service animals. To avoid legal issues, it's best to accept the tenant with the service pet and comply with their accommodation requests.
Some people who want to move in may have emotional support animals. These represent somewhat of a gray area when it comes to legal compliance. It may be best to consult your property management company regarding emotional support pets.
Con: Noise Disruptions
If you market your property as a quiet haven, your neighbors may be upset if you bring in noisy animals. Pets such as birds and dogs can make the most noise
However, just because a tenant has a traditionally noisy animal doesn't mean it will cause disruption. Many pet owners train their animals to stay quiet, so don't count them out.
Decide If You Want Pets in a Rental Property
Are you a new landlord or do you want to change your rental pet policies? Use this guide to weigh the positives and negatives of allowing furry, feathered, and scaled friends in your rental units.
Hometown Property Management is here to help you with all of your Harrisburg real estate needs. From taking care of property management responsibilities to assisting renters, we can do it all.
Ready to get started? Contact us today or visit our office in Marysville, PA to learn more.
