A pet-inclusive rental property will have a wider pool to attract potential tenants from, a lot of whom are pet owners willing to pay more for the accommodation. The question is: Are the risks worth it? Even with pet policies in place, you might end up dealing with excessive barking, property damage, or other pet-related liability concerns.
Allowing pets doesn't need to be worrying for you, especially if you know which criteria to use in a pet screening process to ensure responsible pet ownership. Listed below are tips on how to effectively mitigate risks through the pet screening process.
Have a Pet Screening Application Filled Out
A pet resume sheet tells you everything you need to know about the pet, such as its breed, age, size, weight, and more. It also paints a picture of whether the potential tenant is a responsible pet owner or not. Your pet screening checklist should ask for:
- Pet Type
- Pet Breed
- Size
- Weight
- Vaccination History
- Training Background
Verify Health and Vaccination Records
It's one thing for a pet parent to say that their pets are up-to-date with their vaccinations, but it's another to verify it. A pet's health is crucial, especially if there are other animals in your rental property. They could contract whatever sickness the potential tenant's pet has.
Furthermore, some diseases can spread from animals to other tenants, such as rabies and Lyme disease from ticks. Most of these can be avoided if the pet has complete vaccinations and treatments, making verifications in pet screening important.
Implement Breed Restrictions
It seems a little harsh to restrict a prospective tenant's pet breed, but it's still better than a no-pet policy. A pet's suitability when it comes to dog breeds may vary. For instance, smaller dogs may not need a lot of space for playing, making them suitable for average rental units.
Certain breeds may also cause distress among existing tenants. Siberian Huskies, for instance, are known for frequent behaviors like howling, which can lead to noise complaints. When it comes to risk mitigation, pet screening is critical to prevent safety hazards and disruptions.
Conduct Pet Interviews
The pet screening process must include an interview to further evaluate a pet's behavior. This is where you can learn if they respond to basic commands, are well-behaved in a social environment, or show signs of aggression.
Not all furry friends are suited for shared spaces, and if you have a dog park or allow pets in common areas, screening pets allows you to determine how they might fare in such environments. You may also as references from previous landlords when you conduct tenant screening.
Outline Lease Agreement Rules
Most pet-friendly properties include pet addenda in the contract to ensure both landlords and tenants are comfortable. Even if they pass the pet screening procedure, some issues may still arise, such as unintended harm to other tenants or property damage.
Implement pet policies about noise control, waste disposal, supervision, pet insurance, and consequences if the pet fails to behave as the owner implied. If you offer third-party services, like pet sitters or pet groomers, explain how they work and how the tenant may avail the services.
Discuss Pet Fees
It's better to disclose the pet deposit fees early on, maybe even before you have a potential tenant fill out a pet resume or conduct the pet screening process. Be clear about what they have to pay, like pet rent, pet security deposit.
While pet rent is not as needed, pet deposits are important to cover potential damages caused by the pets. A pet's behavior cannot be anticipated at all times, even with effective pet screening, so being prepared is ideal.
Learn the Necessary Laws Regarding Pets
It's within your right to mandate a pet screening process before you rent to a potential tenant, but there are exceptions you must acknowledge, such as assistance animals. Federal and California law state that both service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are allowed, regardless of your pet policies.
As such, a landlord must provide requested reasonable accommodations for the pet owner, as per the federal Fair Housing Act. It's easier to accommodate such pets, given that emotional support animals and service animals both fall under "assistance animals," which are exempt from any pet policies.
Outsource Your Pet Screening Process
Between background checks and Fair Housing laws, it is understandably complicated to conduct the screening process, and a pet screening service may take some work off your plate. Some property managers include this in their services, so be sure to research your options.
They will know local, state, and federal laws to ensure your legal compliance, as well as be meticulous with the screening process to avoid issues in the future. Both landlords and tenants can benefit from this expertise, especially if this is your first rental property that allows pets.
Pet Screening FAQs
What is the difference between service animals and emotional support animals in California?
- ESAs are mainly comfort animals for emotional and cognitive support, whereas service animals are specifically trained to assist individuals with disabilities. However, both are classified as assistance animals in California, which falls under Fair Housing laws.
Which breeds should I restrict from my property?
- Commonly restricted dog breeds include Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Mastiffs, Cane Corsos, Great Danes, and Siberian Huskies. The decision ultimately falls on you or your property manager.
Should I allow pets in my rental property?
- Yes, but be sure to have applicants go through pet screening. It may add a few more steps, but pet screening opens your rental business to more prospective renters. You can delegate this task to property managers or pet screening services if you feel like you have enough property management duties on your hands.
Finding the Right Property Management Company
Hiring the right property manager keeps your business running smoothly, therefore stabilizing your cash flow. Companies like Harland Property Management can help you screen tenants and pets, streamline the assistance animal processes, and keep the peace in your rental property.
We're here to maximize your investment and keep you stress-free. Let's talk about it! Schedule a free consultation and learn about the services we can provide.
