A massive 66% of US households own a pet, meaning there's a good chance a tenant will want to bring one into your rental home.
But what steps should you take before allowing pets in a rental property? After all, you want to look after your investment, and the last thing you want is for it to suffer unnecessary costly damage.
Even though pets can be unpredictable, these five strategies can help safeguard your rental home in Merced, CA.
Read on to learn how to offer pet-friendly rentals.
1. Have Pet Policies in Your Lease Contract
Your tenant pet policies must be specific, leaving no room for any disagreements. For example, you should clearly state how many pets are allowed on your property, and explain what noise levels and behaviors are unacceptable.
Having clarity will help pet owners uphold their end of the lease agreement.
2. Screen Tenants and Pets
Most landlords know how important tenant screening is when it comes to humans, but this applies to pets too.
You can ask for references from previous landlords confirming they did not have any trouble while the pet was in their rental property. It can also help to request a letter from the animal's vet advising if the pet is generally well-behaved.
3. Request a Higher Deposit
When managing a rental with pets, there can be a higher risk of damage. This could include urine stains on carpets or scratches on doorframes or walls. A tenant should understand your concerns, and although you may be reluctant to ask, you may find they are happy to pay a higher deposit.
The chance of losing this extra money may also encourage renters to watch their pets more closely in your home.
4. Frequently Inspect Your Property
Allowing pets benefits landlords and tenants if both parties are upfront and honest. But this may not always be the case, and a renter could try to hide damage caused by their pet.
By carrying out regular property inspections, you can spot these problems and address them at an early stage.
5. Check Your Insurance Policy
Should a pet cause damage to your property, repairs could be expensive. If the costs exceed the security deposit, and your tenant refuses to pay, this could leave you out of pocket and reduce your rental income.
This is why it's best practice to review your insurance policy and check if it covers damage caused by pets. If not, it may be worth upgrading your policy.
Allowing Pets in a Rental Property Can Be Beneficial
Allowing pets in a rental property means you'll have more prospective tenants interested in moving in. The key is to ensure pet owners are trustworthy and understand their responsibilities as per the lease agreement.
At Rental Zebra, we know how difficult it can be to manage an investment property in Merced, CA, especially when pets are involved. As a family-owned and operated company, we work closely with landlords and tenants to overcome any hurdles and ensure both parties are happy with the rental arrangements.
To enjoy the advantages of our rental property management services, contact our expert team today.
