We get a lot of mixed feelings about allowing pets in rental properties from our clients. Does Fido freak you out? We agree, it’s a risk, but in our industry, its a common need to find housing that is “pet-friendly”. We want to tell you what our philosophy and policies are when it comes to pets and animals. It’s not always black and white.
What you should know about allowing pets in your rental property.
First, you should know that the Federal Fair Housing laws aren’t “negotiable” when it comes to pets, companion animals, emotional support animals, and service animals.
Second, those are all very different things. Without getting into the actual verbiage just know that we know the law frontwards and backward and we are here to navigate the situation based on those laws on your behalf. Each animal must “apply” just as their person must apply. They are asked to provide the required documentation such as vet records, animal reports, legitimate diagnosis letters, photos, tags, and any other pertinent information.
Third, once we determine what “type” of animal it is we act accordingly. We have addendums for EVERYTHING. That animal regardless of determination is held to the same behavior standards as any animal would be. They do not get a free pass even if they are companion/emotional/support animals. We perform “pet checks” throughout the term of the lease to ensure that the animal is not damaging the property in any way. If they are, we handle that too!
How we help to protect your investment
We collect non-refundable deposits & charge pet rent when applicable. We have you covered on this front. Don’t want to allow pets? That’s ok too, just know that it narrows the interested applicants down to a fraction and not allowing “pets” does not apply to companion, emotional or service animals. They do get a pass if properly documented.
So in closing, just say no to pets? We think a better option is to say yes and trust that we have your back. We do not want destructive animals in your house any more than you do so we do everything we can to prevent and oversee the situation so that you don’t have to!
If you would like more information about this or anything else related to property management, visit our website at www.rentwisepm.com or give us a call!