First, you must decide if you’ll allow pets in your rental property. If you choose to, ensure that you have a policy in place that complies with all local laws and regulations.
If you want to open up your vacancies to responsible pet owners, here are some ways to get you started:
1.Define Pet Type and Size
Be sure to specify the types of pets that are allowed (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) and set the size or weight limits if applicable. This will help manage potential issues related to large or exotic pets.
2. Limit the Number of Pets
Decide on and list the maximum number of pets allowed per unit. This will help prevent overcrowding and minimize disturbances.
3. Rules for Pet Behavior
Outline rules for pet behavior, including leash requirements, noise levels, and waste disposal. Make sure to enforce these rules consistently. Most of these can be found in a copy of the Pet Addendum on the AOA website.
4. Pet Insurance or Liability Coverage
Require tenants to have liability insurance that includes pet insurance and make it mandatory for you to be listed as additionally insured on the policy.
5. Pet Agreement Addendum
Include a pet agreement as an addendum to the lease. This should clearly outline all rules and requirements related to pets and make sure it is signed by your new resident.
6. Add Your Pet Requirements to Your Rental Qualification Criteria
Be sure to add this information to your written Qualification Criteria list that you give to applicants along with the rental application.
7. Photos
Instruct your applicant to include a picture(s) of all pets that will be residing in the unit with the returned application,
8. Rental Agreement Information
Be sure to include the pet’s information on your lease agreement along with the photo: Name and age, male or female, breed, weight and size.
By continuing to improve and refine your pet policy, you will be creating an environment that welcomes responsible pet owners while maintaining the comfort and well-being of everyone in the building.
Shiral Torres is the author of Rental Property Made Simple, available on Amazon.com. In addition to her professional endeavors, she’s an active volunteer for the National Alliance on Mental Illness and the Alzheimer’s Association. Emphasizing the importance of simplicity for success, she, along with her husband, owns and manages multiple properties in California and across the country. Shiral offers rental property management classes at local colleges and through her business, Simply Shiral (www.simplyshiral.com).