Allow tenants to have Pets?

To my mind, allowing pets it’s not only about humanity and comprehension, but at least about efficiency and income. As statistic says (and you can reconsider it on your own) pet-owners are more likely to pay regular, they stay in rented properties ±6 months longer than the average tenant and keep everything clean around. So why not? I realize, that we can’t make conclusion inductively for your situation, but if you say they’re nice people…Not so long time ago I was impressed how much pet-friendly occurred in NYC (https://rentberry.com/apartments/s/new-york-ny/pet-friendly). 171 out of 871 and it’s on new service. I’m afraid that following your policy in this situation may cost you good tenants.

wmphjchy

in General Discussion 8 years and 1 month ago

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jvanhorn | 8 years and 2 months ago

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Hi everyone, I currently have a no-pet policy for my rental unit. Should I allow my tenants to have a pet? They are asking and are good tenants. I have a small 15lb pup myself and really don’t want another dog on the property. That coupled with the damage dogs bring (my dog is 3 and still goes after my wood trim). Any thoughts on relaxing my policy?

resident2 | 8 years and 2 months ago

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A cat is always good, so long as the tenants do not think that they can flush cat litter down the toilet etc.
A new unknown dog can be an issue without references: are they responsible dog owners? walk regularly, clean up after it etc.
What kind of pet are your tenants thinking of?
I generally allow cats.
Birds can attract mice (the seed)
Fish, if plumbed into a water supply can create leaking issues.

jvanhorn | 8 years and 2 months ago

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They want to adopt a basset hound mix…

anotherposter | 8 years and 2 months ago

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Size and breed aren’t very important (though a few are prone to barking, like shelties and corgis, from my experience). What matters more is the humans’ willingness to properly care for them (adequate walks and attention), in my opinion. Even when I worked 12 hours a day 6 days a week, my border collie was exercised enough between me and a walker that the only thing he destroyed was some mice and naps. Our neighbors who walk their small dog probably 20 minutes a day have tons of barking coming from their place (and the yard when they just stick it outside).

resident2 | 8 years and 2 months ago

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Re-homing an adult dog needs special attention. Insist on a vets reference from the prior shelter/owner. I recently adopted a Rottweiler from a shelter, it was only when I got the vets reports that I realized she did have “aggressive issues”. ( With trainers help, we got her settled in well).
Insist that they get a dog trainer for initial transition and a dog walker if they are not home all day.
Bassets are generally couch potatoes after long regular walks.

camp6ell | 8 years and 1 month ago

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No.

peaceout | 8 years and 1 month ago

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I would try to be as supportive as possible If they have been good tenants, they and the dog deserve a leap of faith. A basset hound mix most likely is a mellow dog.

Here are the questions I would ask:
Have they been approved to adopt?
Age of dog?
Plans re: walking – if a dog walker, they will have a set of keys. Who is the dog walker, you should have all that info.
Have either have had dog experience, and what kind?
If they travel or vacation, who would care for the dog – this opens up the conversation regarding who will have keys.
Can a rider be attached to the lease reflecting if the dog excessively barks, etc.
Request an added security deposit.

Cobblehillite | 8 years and 1 month ago

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technically, if you have more than one tenant, you have to treat them exactly the same — ie apply the same rules in the same way.that is how fair housing works. if you allow one tenant to have a pet, you have to allow them all even if one is a “good” tenant and one is not a “good” tenant. Equally application of rules is the bedrock of fair housing. what if the person who you dont let have a dog is of a different race, gender, sexual orientation etc. Even though you may have legit reasons to allow one family a dog and not another, this can be perceived as discrimination….

dorkofwindsor | 8 years and 1 month ago

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if they have experience, and are rescuing a dog (not buying a dog) i.e. do gooder, and can have a mid day dog walker, then it would be a nice gesture on your part. Nothing wrong with saying no, but as a dog owner perhaps you can empathize.

jvanhorn | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Thank you everyone for the feedback

MsStalwart | 8 years and 1 month ago

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Consider asking for an additional security deposit for the inevitable damage. We are in a similar situation, have our own dog and are sympathetic, and allowed our tenants to have one who seemed great – small and house trained. He was a barker. In addition, he peed in the floor duct and on carpeting but we could only really tell after we had repaid the deposit. Not sure how we’ll move ahead from this one on dogs.