A Pet in a Rental Apartment: Fear Has Big Eyes
When renting out an apartment, listings often include a note that pets are not allowed. There is a fear that an animal might cause damage, but a family pet could also be a caged animal or a well-trained purebred dog. If a tenant takes responsibility for keeping a pet, they also take responsibility for any potential damage that may occur – therefore, the existence of a pet should not be a reason for refusal.
Most commonly, there is fear that a cat or dog will damage the interior, walls or floor, leave an unpleasant odor in the apartment, or a dog will disturb neighbors with barking. Sometimes, however, the thinking doesn't go that far, and a simple note is simply added to the listing about not allowing pets. However, many people have pets, and often a cat or dog is like a family member who is very well cared for.
We provide five recommendations to encourage landlords to have a discussion with potential tenants when it turns out that a four-legged friend would be moving into the apartment:
1) Include in the rental agreement that the tenant must compensate for all damage caused by the pet upon the end of the contract
When handing over the apartment, prepare a detailed handover and acceptance report and record as precisely as possible the condition of the apartment and the furniture left there, add photos and the monetary value of the items. By signing the contract, the tenant takes responsibility to compensate for damage and return the apartment in the same good condition as it was received. You can also establish specific requirements, for example, that the tenant must have soft furniture chemically cleaned before handing over the apartment.
2) Agree on a double security deposit
Practice shows that most apartment owners choose this option: pets are allowed, but the security deposit must be paid double. If later it turns out that something has been damaged, the owner can purchase new items from the security deposit.
3) Ask for a description of the pet
If you "get to know" your tenant's pet a little, it may turn out that your fears are unfounded. Don't be afraid to ask for a description of the animal, breed description, and photos! If possible, ask for feedback from your tenant's previous landlord: how did the pet behave, in what condition was the apartment returned, and were there no tensions between the tenant and neighbors because of the pet.
4) Be prepared to discuss
"Pets are not allowed" sounds strict and categorical, but maybe the prospective tenant has a hamster, guinea pig, or chinchilla kept in a cage, a snake or gecko living in a terrarium? Some dog owners also put their pet in a cage with a sleeping area and drinking bowl when they leave their pet alone at home, so the animal cannot chew or scratch on its own.
5) Trust your tenant
If a tenant assures you that their dog is trained, doesn't chew or bark, or wears a bark collar, then it's likely true. Why lie and risk losing the desired rental apartment in this way?
A pet is a family member, and a person who has taken on raising an animal and caring for it often has a greater sense of responsibility. This, however, means that they will take better care of the property entrusted to them – including your apartment.
Article source: Arco Vara
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