Renting to Pet Lovers
How to Go From "No Pets Allowed" to "We Welcome Pets & Their Owners!"
Love me, love my dog. We’ve all heard that bumper-sticker-worthy line. But it’s more than just a saying. In the U.S., more people own pets, and lavish more time, attention, and money on them than ever before.
Landlords who allow pets in their rental housing have a clear advantage over those who do not: their pool of potential tenants is much deeper and wider. A recent study by the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy shows that as many as 35% of non pet-owning people would have a pet if their landlords allowed it. A staggering 6.5 million animals could be out of shelters and into homes if all rental housing allowed pets.
Regardless of one’s feelings about pet ownership, the fact is that landlords who allow pets have an advantage when working toward filling vacant rental housing units.
If you are thinking about changing your current no-pets-allowed policy, a variety of resources are available online to help steer you in the right direction. It is possible to attract more potential tenants, and have a hassle-free experience—when you know how to spot responsible owners and well-behaved pets. Then, be sure your pet-owning tenants stick to the rules of your clearly-written pet policy.
Right at your fingertips are dozens of ideas on how to create pet policies, identify responsible pet owners, and weight the pros and cons of allowing pets in rental properties.
The Humane Society of the United States’ website features articles on developing an effective pet policy, sample application forms and addenda to rental agreements, and even tips to spread the word that you now accept pets—plus much more.
The San Francisco SPCA works toward matching pet lovers with pet-friendly rental housing, and increasing pets-allowed housing in the city. According to the SFSPCA, they increased cat-friendly housing from 33% to 55% and dogs-allowed rental units from 11% to 29%. Very impressive! The SFSPCA features Guidelines for Landlords and Guidelines for Tenants on their website.
Similar articles, tips, and ready-to-go agreements and policies are available all over the web. Just search “Pet Guidelines for Landlords” and you’ll have what you need to begin accepting pets from happy new tenants!