How to create pet-friendly rental policies to draw in more tenants

Make your listing work for you, your tenants and their furry friends.

The demand for pet-friendly housing is increasing faster than a dog’s heart rate at the sound of the word “walkies.” If you have one or several properties, it may be in your best interest to create rental policies that allow animals to live there too. In fact, the pros seem to outweigh the cons of pet allowance. Here are some tips to create lease agreements that work for both you and your tenants. And their purr-fect pals, of course.

Get yourself some pet-friendly insurance for instances that include more than pillow fluff.

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Be clear with pet-friendly rental expectations

You get to set the rules. It is still your place, after all. When allowing pets in your rental, communicate rules upfront. Consider the following in your lease agreements:

• Specify the types of pets you will or will not allow (cats only, dogs only, birds, reptiles, other exotic animals, etc.).
• Set weight or breed restrictions as you see fit. Can your rental handle dogs over 100 pounds or multiple pets?
• Be clear about rules for nuisance pet behaviors such as excessive barking or expectations in shared pet areas.

Pet-friendly apartment fees

Yep, you can charge extra to keep your place nice. Protect your property by requiring fair pet fees such as:

• Pet deposits: Offer a refundable fee to cover any damages caused by pets.
• Monthly rent: Dogs are people too, so most landlords charge a small fee per month, per pet.  

Liability insurance for pet-friendly rentals

Sometimes a dog (or other animal) does more than counter surf for leftovers. It’s always good to have a little protection on the back end if something happens. To minimize damage costs, consider these options:

• Get landlord insurance and include clauses for pet-related damages.
• Require tenants to get renter’s insurance that includes pet coverage.

Make pet-friendly apartment modifications

If you really want to draw in renters, create a few pet-friendly upgrades to your rental. Some paw-some ideas include: 

• Durable flooring: This may be a no-brainer, but having only carpet can be a money pit when pets are involved. Opt for vinyl or tile flooring instead, as they are easy to clean and resist smells. 
• Pet areas: Allow pets in the yard or create shared pet areas on your properties. Provide pet waste stations, water stations or indoor cleaning areas.

Pet screening and conduct interviews

We’re sure Fido will greet you with a strong paw-shake and warm smile, but it’s OK to ask for more details about the pet. Here are some ways to ensure your tenant is a responsible pet owner.

• Require tenants to provide references from past landlords about their pets’ behavior. 
• Require proof of vaccinations, city licensing and spay/neuter records for all animals.
• Meet the pet in person. Is it a puppy that’s jubilant and mildly annoying but still a good boy/girl? Or is the animal aggressive towards strangers and children? 

Inspections and maintenance

Your pet-friendly rentals need regular upkeep for shared spaces and may need intervention if neighbors complain. Be mindful of a few things:

• Hire someone to clean designated pet areas to keep tenants satisfied and pets safe from unhealthy conditions.
• If neighbors are complaining about smells or noise, provide proper notice for an inspection.  

Keeping tenants in your pet-friendly rentals 

Pet-friendly apartments create loyal tenants. Here are some helpful tips to foster a positive relationship with pet owners.

• Be flexible and approachable. Allowing feedback to your policies will create a good reputation and help you get more tenants in the future. 
• Continue to offer pet-friendly amenities and add more when possible. Some larger complexes offer pet sitting services to appeal to tenants.
• Acknowledge responsible pet owners with small gestures such as keeping treats in lobbies or in containers for outside pet areas. 

Got a place that’s ready for new tenants? Create a pet-friendly rental on KSL Homes.

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