Should You Accept Pets in Rental Properties? A Landlord’s Guide to Pets, Service Animals, and Tenant Lifestyle

As a landlord, deciding whether to accept pets in your rental property is a critical decision that can impact your tenant pool, rental income, and property maintenance. While allowing pets can attract responsible tenants and increase demand for your rental, it also comes with potential risks, including property damage and noise complaints. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of accepting pets and how service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) factor into your decision.

🐾 Why Accepting Pets Can Be Beneficial1. Expanded Tenant Pool
Rejecting pets can limit your pool of potential tenants, as a large number of renters own pets. According to surveys, nearly 50% of renters in the U.S. have pets, and the demand for pet-friendly properties continues to rise. By allowing pets, you increase your chances of finding quality tenants who are more likely to stay long-term.
2. Increased Rental Income
Allowing pets can open up the opportunity to charge a pet deposit or monthly pet rent. Pet deposits help cover potential damages, while pet rent adds a consistent income stream. Many landlords charge an additional $25 to $75 per month for each pet, helping offset maintenance costs.
3. Legal Considerations for Service Animals and ESAs
It’s important to know that tenants with service animals or emotional support animals (ESAs) are legally entitled to bring their animals with them, regardless of your pet policy. Under the Fair Housing Act (FHA) and state laws, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for tenants with service animals and ESAs. Service animals are not considered pets, and you cannot charge extra deposits or rent for them.

🐾 Potential Risks of Accepting Pets1. Property Damage
The most common concern when accepting pets is potential damage to the property. Pets, especially dogs, may scratch floors, chew furniture, or stain carpets. Damage can occur not just from the animals themselves, but from irresponsible pet ownership, such as leaving pets unsupervised or not cleaning up after them.
2. Noise and Disturbances
Pets, particularly dogs, can create noise disturbances if they bark excessively. In multi-unit properties, this can lead to noise complaints from neighbors, causing tension and dissatisfaction among tenants. It’s crucial to ensure tenants with pets understand the rules around noise levels and are responsible for their animals’ behavior.
3. Hygiene and Health Risks
Pets that are not well-cared-for may contribute to hygiene issues like pet odors, flea infestations, or allergens. While many pet owners are responsible, there is a risk that tenants may neglect proper cleaning or maintenance, leading to increased maintenance costs and a less desirable living environment.

🐾 How to Mitigate Risks and Set Clear ExpectationsIf you decide to allow pets, there are steps you can take to minimize risks and maintain the quality of your property:
1. Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Thorough tenant screening is key to finding responsible pet owners. Ask for references from previous landlords to understand how well they managed their pets in the past. Inquire about their pets’ behavior and how they care for them.
2. Set a Clear Pet Policy
Create a pet policy in your lease agreement that outlines the types of pets allowed, restrictions (e.g., size, breed), and expectations for pet behavior. Be clear about responsibilities for pet care, cleanliness, and noise levels. This policy should also include the pet deposit or pet rent amount.
3. Charge a Pet Deposit or Pet Rent
Charge a pet deposit to cover any potential damages caused by pets. You can also collect monthly pet rent to help offset the added maintenance costs. Be sure the deposit is separate from the regular security deposit and clearly outlined in the lease agreement.
4. Monitor Pet Care and Behavior
Once tenants move in, it’s important to regularly monitor the condition of the property and address any issues promptly. If there are complaints about pet behavior, such as excessive barking or damage, have a discussion with the tenant to find a solution.
5. Know the Laws for Service Animals and ESAs
Remember that you are legally required to allow service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) under federal and state law. Be aware of the documentation requirements for ESAs and ensure that these tenants understand the responsibility of having an animal in your rental.

🐾 The Bottom Line: Is It Worth It to Accept Pets?The decision to accept pets in your rental property depends on your priorities as a landlord. Allowing pets can increase demand, attract long-term tenants, and provide additional income, but it also carries risks of property damage, noise complaints, and hygiene issues.
If you decide to accept pets, set clear expectations with your tenants, screen them thoroughly, and maintain open communication to minimize potential problems. With a well-crafted pet policy and responsible tenants, allowing pets can be a win-win for both parties.
If you’re unsure about how to manage pets in your rental property, Keybox Properties is here to help. Our experienced team can guide you through the process of creating a pet-friendly policy that works for both you and your tenants, while ensuring your property remains in great condition.