These days, one of the best ways to attract tenants is to allow pets. Twice as many renters filter for pet-friendly listings than any other amenity.
Of course, allowing pets in a rental property comes with some downsides as well. If you're not careful, this approach could lead to property damage or tenant complaints. Fortunately, minimizing these issues isn't too hard.
Want to know more about managing pets in your Germantown, MD rental? These five simple tips will get you started on the right foot!
1. Have a Strong Pet Policy
All pet-friendly rentals should have a strong pet policy. Your policy should include information on:
- State and local laws
- Dog size restrictions
- Dog breed restrictions
- Pet fees and deposits
A good way to think of a pet policy is as insurance for potential losses. To ensure your tenants are aware of it, communicate its terms clearly. Use written documentation to make the policy easily accessible.
2. Provide Resources to Owners
Do your best to make life easier for pet owner tenants. For example, you can connect tenants with local pet services such as veterinary clinics. You can also provide information on behavior modification or training techniques.
Another thing you can do is provide access to pet amenities. Keep in mind that pet owners are often willing to pay more for a rental. Having a grooming station or designated dog park can help you attract these tenants.
3. Prevent Damage Before It Happens
The best way to avoid pet damage is to prevent it before it happens. To do that, always ask tenants for pet guarantees and pet deposits. You should also make pet interviews a key part of your screening process.
Other rental property tips for preventing pet damage include:
- Reinforcing gates and doors
- Securing windows and screens
- Securing trash cans and other hazards
4. Deal With Waste Effectively
Managing rental pets involves maintaining a clean environment for tenants. A key part of that is dealing with pet waste. Install pet waste stations with bags and dispensers near walking paths or common areas.
If pet waste is an ongoing issue, educate tenants on why it's important to keep the rental clean. Pet waste can be hazardous to human health, and not disposing of it properly could get you in trouble with the law.
5. Enforce Your Policy
Even a well-written landlord pet policy won't be any good if you don't enforce it. Set appropriate consequences for policy breaches and stick to them. This will act as a deterrent and ensure you treat all tenants fairly.
If someone complains about a pet issue, respond as quickly as you can. This includes doing the following:
- Address the violation with the tenant
- Document the interaction
- Follow through with consequences
Having Pets in a Rental Property
At the end of the day, allowing pets in a rental property has more benefits than drawbacks. As long as you manage pet-related issues on time, your rental can be a safe environment for everyone!
Still not sure if you should allow pets in your Germantown, MD property? At PMI Milestone, we can guarantee you that doing so will make your rental more valuable! Let us prove it by hiring us to manage your property!
