Handling Pets

Many owners are concerned when you mention pets in their property and have difficulty in making decisions in this area. This is a reasonable reaction since there are times when tenants allow their pets to cause considerable damage. However, when facing the issue of pets, investors often need to use a logical approach. Saying “no” to a pet right away can often lead to illegal pets or possibly missing a great tenant.


The Application


Whether or not an owner allows a pet, it is always advisable to have an area for disclosing pets in an application-to-rent. It is important to obtain as much information on the prospective tenant, particularly if you want to determine if they have pets. If another property owner reveals that the applicant has a pet that he or she did not disclose, this is solid ground for refusing the applicant.


Pets Negotiable


When the property is on the market for rent, use the term “pets negotiable.” The problem in stating a definite “no” is the prospective tenant may be the right person for the property. Well-qualified applicants generally extend the care for their pets to caring for the property. It would be better to have them list their pets, examine the information, and then make an informed decision.


Do Pets Work in The Property?


This is a logical step to consider. Obviously, a townhouse with a postage stamp backyard generally is not suitable for a German Shepherd, Springer Spaniel, or a Great Dane. Common sense must prevail when renting the property to someone with a pet or pets. Owners should look at the property objectively and discuss the issues with their property manager on what pets are suitable for the property before putting it on the market.


Avoiding Some Pets


There are pets to avoid and mostly this means “dangerous and destructive.” Examples of pets many people consider dangerous are Pit Bull, Rottweiler, Doberman, snakes, rats, etc. Any animal that is vicious, poisonous, or dangerous, whether large or small, can cause problems. That is not to say that all Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, etc are dangerous these animals can make wonder full pets to the "RIGHT PERSON". Good tenant screening often takes care of this problem. It is a good idea to have a list of unwanted pets that are completely unacceptable. Many insurance companies have a “dangerous pet” list and owners should find out what animals they list that could cause claim problems.


Service Animals are NOT Pets


Under Federal Fair Housing, you cannot charge any amount of deposit for a service animal. This is the most common area where property owners find themselves in trouble because they charge handicapped persons a pet deposit.


We have the expertise to counsel investors in making good decisions on whether to allow pets in their property. Have your clients contact us for Professional Property Management so they can avoid the pitfalls of pets in their property. If they have a positive property management experience, they are more likely to contact you to invest again or sell their property. Don’t wait, call us today.


Peter N. Lamandre is a Licensed Real Estate Broker, Consultant, Speaker, Mentor and Licensed Real Estate Instructor in Scranton Pennsylvania. He currently owns and operates Better by Design Real Estate, LLC a full service Real Estate Brokerage in Scranton, PA. One of the areas of specialty for Better by design Real Estate, LLC is property Management. Peter is a member of IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management), the National Association of REALTORS®, the Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS® and the Greater Scranton Board of REALTORS® where he services on various committees and taskforces. Peter can be contacted at his office at (570) 969-2105 or by visiting BetterByDesignRE.com. Nothing Contained within this post shall constitute the creation of an agency relationship between Better by Design Real Estate, LLC and the reader of this post. An agency relationship shall only be created upon mutual written agreement. The Real Estate Law requires that I provide you with a written consumer notice that describes the various business relationship choices that you may have with a real estate licensee. Since we are discussing real estate without you having the benefit of the Consumer Notice, I have the duty to advise you that any information you give me at this time is not considered to be confidential, and any information you give me will not be considered confidential unless and until you and I enter into a business relationship. At our first meeting I will provide you with a written consumer notice which explains those business relationships and my corresponding duties to you. Nothing contained within this post shall be construed as providing legal advice. Anyone with specific questions regarding legal matters should consult the advice of a licensed attorney.