The number of potential tenants who own pets is on the rise. These renters are looking for a safe, comfy, and accommodative rental space for their little finned, feathered, or furry friends. According to the 2019-2020 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 67% of American households now have a pet. That evidences the rising demand for pet-friendly rentals.
But here is the thing: For reasons like property damage, some property owners are yet to take advantage of the exponential demand, and that’s quite okay! On the flip side, pet-friendly property managers or landlords can enjoy an increased tenant pool, and potentially, tenants who stay for long periods of time. One of the best ways to ensure a high ROI for your rental property is to keep it rented.
If you’re thinking about allowing pets in your rental property, here are a few tips that might help – let’s get right to it!
Make your terms clear
First things first. The clarity of your terms determines your relationship with your tenants and how they handle the pet’s behavior and health. State your terms on the lease agreement to prepare your tenants beforehand. Indicate the standard provisions like the species, age, gender, breeds, weight, and the number of pets you prefer. Again, define the pet fees and the pet owner’s responsibilities without going beyond your state law recommendations and the Fair Housing Act (FHA).
Add Pet-friendly Features
Once convinced that it’s a good idea to host tenants with pets, add a few pet-friendly features to help your rental really stand out. Try adding a wash station, a pet access door, or a feeding station. Also, don’t forget to choose a scratch-resistant and durable flooring option.
Prioritize on Security and Safety
Whether you own a stand-alone property or an apartment, renters and pet security is a priority. Many tenants with pets will give extra consideration to a rental property that has a perimeter fence to ensure pets don’t escape. You also might fence your pools and other areas in the backyard that might pose a danger to pets.
Consult RPM EVOLVE – The Property Management Experts
We understand that it might be frustrating to deal with tenants with pets and various processes to get your property running smoothly. But why stress out when you can outsource all your management work to experts and concentrate more on building your rental empire. At RPM EVOLVE, the best property management in Phoenix, we’ve got you covered.
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