As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to ensure the safety and protection of your property. Yet a common source of potential damage is often overlooked: pets. If you allow tenants to bring furry friends, pet screening is always essential!
From reducing the wear and tear of the property to anticipating possible liabilities, numerous benefits come from conducting routine screenings for pets living in your rental units. In this blog post, we’ll explain in detail why pet screening is always a good idea for landlords, how it works, and what types of animals need to be screened.
Why Should Landlords Allow Pets on Their Property?
Allowing pets on your property can have the following number of benefits for landlords:
Attract More Tenants
Allowing pets can increase the number of potential tenants looking for rental properties, as pet owners are a large demographic with difficulty finding homes to keep their animals.
Lower Vacancy
Since allowing pets increases tenant options, it also decreases vacancy time by making your property more desirable and competitive in the rental market.
Increase Property Values
Having pet-friendly properties can increase property values as people are more willing to pay a premium for a home that will allow them to keep their furry friends.
Increased Rental Income
Allowing pets on your property can also lead to increased rental income, as pet owners may be willing to pay a higher price for the privilege of keeping their pets on your property.
Improve Tenant Relations
Allowing pets on your property can improve tenant relations as it shows that you are willing to accommodate the needs of your tenants and understand their situation.
Remember that all pet policies should be clearly outlined in the rental agreement and that any violations can result in eviction proceedings.
What Is Pet Screening, and Why Should Landlords Do It?
Pet screening evaluates potential tenants and their pets to determine whether or not they’re suitable for your property. This involves asking questions about the pet’s breed, size, and behavior and examining its veterinary records.
Screening your tenant’s pet before moving into a rental property is important for landlords as it allows them to make informed decisions about their tenants and make sure that the pet will not cause damage to the property or harm to other tenants. Additionally, pet screening can help protect landlords from potential liability issues if an incident occurs involving the pet.
What Types of Animals Need to Be Screened?
All types of animals living in a rental property must be screened. This includes not only dogs and cats but also small mammals (such as rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs), birds (such as parrots and cockatiels), reptiles (such as snakes and lizards), and fish (such as goldfish).
Screening should be done whenever a tenant moves in, renews their lease agreement, or adds a new pet during their tenancy. Screening should include an application review and an in-person meeting with the animal.
Pet Screening Process
Pet screening usually involves the following steps:
Pet Screening Applications
Creating a safe and welcoming environment for tenants and their beloved pets requires careful and thorough pet screening. As a responsible landlord, you must ensure the well-being of all animals and staff within your rental property.
That’s where the pet screening application comes into play—a powerful tool that helps you gather crucial information about your tenants’ furry companions and make informed decisions that align with your terms.
Here are some questions that can help you ease the process:
Pet Identification
- What is the name and type of the pet?
- Can you provide details about the breed, age, gender, and size of the pet?
Health and Safety
- Are the vaccination records up to date for the past year?
- Are there any known behavioral issues or health concerns we should know about?
- Has the pet ever caused harm to another person or animal?
- Is the pet house trained?
- Is there any other essential information we should know about your pet?
For the Canine Friend
- Has the pet been spayed/neutered?
- Has the pet completed a dog training class?
- Does the pet remain on a leash when going for walks?
- Does the owner promptly clean up after their pet?
- How much time does the pet spend alone daily (if any)?
For the Feline Friend
- Has the cat undergone declawing?
- Has the cat been spayed/neutered?
- Is the cat an indoor or outdoor pet?
- Does the cat use a litter box?
- Has the cat ever had identification, such as a microchip?
In-Person Meeting
Once the pet screening application is completed, the adventure continues with an in-person meeting—an opportunity to witness the animal’s behavior firsthand. This crucial step allows you to address additional questions or concerns during the application review.
Remember, ensuring that all family members fully understand and comply with your pet policies before signing the lease is essential.
Bottom Line
Pet screening is an essential part of being a responsible landlord. It helps to confirm that tenants and their pets are a good fit for the property, reducing the risk of damage to the property or conflict between tenants.
By taking the time to screen potential tenants and their pets properly, landlords can make sure they provide a safe, comfortable home for all of their renters. Pet screening is an investment that can pay off in the long run with fewer problems down the road.
If you can’t manage the property tasks, contact Prime 1 Property Management and let them help! They have years of experience and can help you make the right decisions for your rental property. Contact them today to learn more about their services.
