Tenant Pets
By Pierre Mouchette | Real Property Experts LLC
By Pierre Mouchette | Real Property Experts LLC
Today, more so than ever before, people have pets! Whether it is a dog or a cat, the animal possesses a symbiosis relationship that keeps us tranquil. As a landlord, having an animal on our property creates a multitude of problems.
If not cared for in a timely fashion, their excrement's can create permanent damage to the premises.
As a pet owner, finding affordable housing in a nice area that allows pets is very hard to achieve. Once found, the pet owner will most likely pay a bounty for the privilege of residency.
A solution to both would be in the administration of a fair but firm Pet Policy. Of major concern to the landlord is the insurance carrier. Most insurance carriers are inclined to cancel a policy if certain larger breeds live in the house (i.e. Dobermans, Rottweiler’s and Bull Terriers). Although size is not indicative of damage that an animal might create, it is a starting point for a Pet Agreement. Never, never enter into a verbal agreement with your tenant since these verbal agreements will always cause further problems at a later date.
Remember to include an additional nominal rent for the pet, and a pet security damage deposit. The damage deposit will cover scratches and stains to the wall and carpets, among other things. Most tenants believe this to be fair, as they know their pet is well behaved and won’t cause damage. If the tenant does not want to pay the deposit, then you should question their reasons (this is only if you require the building, thereafter you will have a policy in place). A reasonable pet owner will know how to look after their pets and will probably look after your property as well.
In allowing a cat or dog onto your property you should have the owner furnish you with a copy of recent vaccinations and Certificates of Health for their pet.
If not cared for in a timely fashion, their excrement's can create permanent damage to the premises.
- Dogs chew and cats scratch surfaces if not trained.
- If left alone the animal might create a nuisance through meowing, whining and barking.
- They might jump on a neighbor in excitement and scare or injure them.
As a pet owner, finding affordable housing in a nice area that allows pets is very hard to achieve. Once found, the pet owner will most likely pay a bounty for the privilege of residency.
A solution to both would be in the administration of a fair but firm Pet Policy. Of major concern to the landlord is the insurance carrier. Most insurance carriers are inclined to cancel a policy if certain larger breeds live in the house (i.e. Dobermans, Rottweiler’s and Bull Terriers). Although size is not indicative of damage that an animal might create, it is a starting point for a Pet Agreement. Never, never enter into a verbal agreement with your tenant since these verbal agreements will always cause further problems at a later date.
Remember to include an additional nominal rent for the pet, and a pet security damage deposit. The damage deposit will cover scratches and stains to the wall and carpets, among other things. Most tenants believe this to be fair, as they know their pet is well behaved and won’t cause damage. If the tenant does not want to pay the deposit, then you should question their reasons (this is only if you require the building, thereafter you will have a policy in place). A reasonable pet owner will know how to look after their pets and will probably look after your property as well.
In allowing a cat or dog onto your property you should have the owner furnish you with a copy of recent vaccinations and Certificates of Health for their pet.