references from prior landlords who’ve seen the pet in action. Some property managers even conduct “pet interviews” to meet the animal beforehand and assess temperament. Beyond assessing the renter and the pet, be sure to require your renters to carry insurance that includes pet liability coverage. This can help protect you and your tenant if the pet causes property damage. Finally, it’s important to prepare your property for pets by choosing pet- friendly materials during renovations. For example, opting for vinyl or tile flooring instead of carpet is a smart way to go. Materials that are durable, easy to clean, and better suited to paws are ideal for a truly pet-friendly rental home.
pet’s good behavior, that’s a huge plus. Include them with your rental application along with basic pet info like breed, age, vaccination status, and any training certificates. 3. BE A RESPONSIBLE PET OWNER. When thinking about the day-to-day part of living in the rental home, remember that the basics matter: Clean up after your pet, manage barking (for dogs), and make sure your pet isn’t disturbing neighbors. Be sure to keep your pet up to date on vaccines and flea/tick treatments. And if you have a dog, ensure it gets regular exercise and training. A well- exercised pup is a well-behaved pup! 4. COMMUNICATE EARLY AND OFTEN. Finally, if your pet does cause any issues or if anything about your pet arrangements changes, it’s important to talk to your property manager ahead of time. A little communication goes a long way in staying on good terms and preventing misunderstandings—or worse. SHARED GOALS AND COMMUNICATION At the end of the day, the goal of pet-friendly rentals is a simple one: happy tenants, respectful pets, and well-maintained properties. For best results, both property managers and renters should participate in and encourage cooperation and open lines of communication. Property managers can ask for pet résumés or hold meet-and- greets. Tenants should feel comfortable asking questions about rules or requesting
Ultimately, when both sides commit to a respectful partnership, pet-friendly rentals can be a huge win for everyone. REAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT HAS YOUR BACK Pet-friendly properties hold many advantages for both property managers and renters . They attract loyal tenants who tend to treat their homes with care. And with more renters than ever looking for a home for themselves and their pets, now is the perfect time to embrace the trend. Whether you’re a property owner looking to implement a pet policy, a renter searching for a pet-friendly home, or a property manager seeking new opportunities, your local Real Property Management office is here to help! Contact us today for expert advice and stress-free solutions tailored to your current situation and needs.
BEST PRACTICES FOR RENTERS WITH PETS
It’s also important to note that your tenants have responsibilities when it comes to their pets. As a property owner/landlord, you can offer prospective tenants the following list of best practices to ensure they have a successful relationship with you. If you have a pet-friendly policy, you can even post this set of guidelines with your online property listings. 1. BE HONEST FROM THE START. Always disclose your pet when applying. Trying to “sneak in” a pet could lead to a lease violation and even eviction. Landlords appreciate honesty and are more likely to work with tenants who are upfront with us. 2. BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE PET REFERENCES. Yes, pet references are a thing! If your previous landlord or dog walker can vouch for your
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permission for small pet-related changes, like installing a pet gate.
40 | think realty magazine :: july - august 2025
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