Four-legged friends have a gift for charming their owners. But they aren't always so skillful when influencing a landlord.
There is good reason for that. Pets don't always mix with pristine properties.
Yet, sometimes, there are sound reasons for accepting a pet in your rental. Here are some pros and cons to help you weigh up the decision.
Are pets in a rental property in Lynnwood, WA, a plus? Read on for the answers.
Pro: Loyal, Long-Term Tenants
Once a tenant has settled with you, they will feel happy to have secured a pet-friendly property. You might also find you've secured a responsible and reliable tenant.
It's a significant advantage for landlords when both go hand in hand. Your tenant will likely want to renew their property, and you'll have the financial security of a long-term tenant.
Cons: It Could Disturb Neighbors
Not everyone loves living next to a pet. Dogs can be noisy. A dog left indoors all day might bark for hours, upsetting neighbors.
As a landlord, that could leave you with complaints or even legal disputes.
There is also the potential mess in communal areas from dogs or outdoor cats. Again, this could leave you with a neighbor problem and potential fines.
Pro: You'll Get More Viewings
Many renters have pets, but not all accommodations will accept them. It's a classic case of an imbalance between supply and demand. You can use that to your advantage if you advertise pet-friendly rentals.
It will bring you more inquiries as your accommodation will stand out from the competition. More inquiries mean a higher demand, making renting your property easier.
Con: Potential Property Damage
Pets come with risks. An animal can damage buildings and belongings and could leave you with a costly mess to sort.
You could find yourself returning to a property with chewed wooden furniture. Or you might have to spend hundreds of dollars replacing a stained, pungent carpet before your next set of tenants arrives.
Even with a responsible owner, accidents happen when dealing with unpredictable animals.
Pros: The Chance to Cover Your Costs
Pets do come with extra expenses, like insurance and repairs. You may also need to adjust your home, like adding a cat flap. Yet you don't have to incur these costs as a landlord.
You can pass them on to your tenant as part of a pet clause.
By including these costs as part of a higher rental fee, you can offset the risks but benefit from a wider pool of potential tenants.
Cons: Pet Allergens
Some people have allergies to pets. If you accept a tenant with a pet and they leave, this could cause you a problem later. It could put off a potentially excellent new tenant.
Pet allergens are challenging to remove, as fur gets into sofas and carpets. So, it could remain a problem even after a deep clean.
Pets in a Rental Property
There will always be tenants who want pets in a rental property. However, balance the advantages and disadvantages before you allow pets in rentals, and cover the cost as part of the rental fee.
For more support and advice on properly marketing and renting your property, head here to view our services for landlords at PMI Brewder Realty in Lynnwood, WA.
