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The biggest question when dealing with pet policy, outside of whether or not the owner will accept pets, is how much to charge for the pet being at the property and potentially causing damage to the property? A refundable pet deposit used to be one of the best ways to resolve the issue of pet damage, but PA regulations changed and we cannot hold more a deposit of greater than one month's rent after the first year of the lease so a refundable deposit would be gone after the first year. It is allowable to charge a non-refundable pet fee at the start of the lease. Typically this is set to $250 or more and collected with the first month's rent.
The other part of the equation is to charge pet rent based on the number, type and size of pets. Often this will start at $25 for one, low-impact pet and increase from there. This rent is something to be determined with the property owner at the time of the application approval.
Determining Pet Policy with Your Owner
Determining Pet Policy with Your Owner
Some things to consider when discussing pet policy:
Is there a fenced in yard?
Is the unit a duplex with a shared yard?
Are there kids in the unit next door?
Is there adequate space for a pet?
Starting questions to ask:
Does your owner want to allow pets at all?
If no:
Include in the marketing information section that pets are not allowed at the property.
If yes:
Does your owner want to require a refundable or non-refundable pet deposit of $250 or another amount?
Does your owner want $25/mo for pet rent?
Do they want $25/mo per pet?
Does your owner want to have written in the lease that they are not liable for anything that happens to the tenant's pet on their property?
Pet Specific Questions to Ask
Cats:
Are cats allowed?
If yes, how many?
** Some owners do not allow cats because of the potential and lasting damage of cat urine **
Dogs:
Are dogs allowed?
Is your owner okay with more than one dog?
Are any breeds off limits? I.e.- notoriously aggressive breeds like pit-bulls and Rottweilers
Does your owner have size requirements? Some owners only allow small breeds, under 50 lbs
Does your owner want to have written rules in the lease on leashing dogs?
Does your owner want to have written rules in the lease on cleaning up after animals on the property?
** Be sure to get information on the breed of dog and the size from the tenant. When procuring a lease, write details about the pets. **
Once pet policy is determined, put it in the Notes section of the property page for future reference.
TIP: Make sure tenant is aware of the pet policy and what is due at move-in.
Have these conversations early so that there is no surprise.
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