Did you know that 90.5 million families in America own a pet of some kind? That's a jaw-dropping seventy percent of the population.
When looking to rent one of your houses or apartments out, you might be tempted to put a no pet policy in place. It makes it easier for your property to stay clean, and it's less stress than figuring out an animal.
However, just because it's more simple doesn't mean that it's the right path to go. We've outlined the pros and cons of a no pet policy below. Simply read on to see both sides of the issue, and then make up your own mind.
The Pros of a No Pet Policy
Perhaps the biggest upside of having a no pet policy lease agreement is the fact that it protects you from liability due to an animal biting other tenants or neighbors.
In addition, it protects your rental property from animal induced damage like scratched floors or chewed up carpets.
It also may draw more tenants; people who are allergic to animals or don't like disturbing noises will appreciate having a place where they don't need to deal with that.
The Cons of a No Pet Policy
Although there are many reasons why to keep a pet policy for rental property agreement in place, there are many benefits that come from having a tenant with pets that you might miss out on.
Perhaps one of the biggest ones is that people who own pets tend to have longer tenancies. It's very difficult to find places willing to rent to pet owners; once a tenant finds a place they are going to want to make that last.
It's also a good indication of their character; if someone is responsible enough to take care of a pet, they are responsible enough to take care of your property.
Lastly, being pet friendly allows you to make rules on your terms. Otherwise, you'll have tenants figuring out how to get around a no pet policy, and you have no control over what they do.
What Happens if I Decide to Remove My No Pet Policy?
If you decide to allow pets, you'll need to revise your pet policy rental agreement as a first step.
Next, you'll need to be more aware when screening tenants. Add questions about how many pets they have, what kind of animals, and if they have the proper resources to care for those animals.
You may also require that you be able to meet the animal before anything happens. There's always a good chance you'll need to visit the property or send maintenance over, so you want to be sure your tenant's pet can handle being around strangers.
Check Us Out!
Now that you've heard all about the ups and downs of having a no pet policy, you have the information that you need to make your decision. We're sure that no matter what you choose to do, you'll find positives in the results.
If you want to learn more about the various components of leasing out a house or apartment, check out our blog! We give advice on everything from investing to evictions, and we're sure you'll find it all informational and useful.
