As a Forest Park rental property owner, you know that considering pet owners as potential tenants has its benefits. But there are additional risks, as well. There are a few critical steps property owners can take, however, to help reduce some of those pet-related risks. And today, we’ll offer a few tips to incorporate into your management process to ensure you continue protecting your rental investment. Being open to pet owners can significantly increase your pool of potential renters. And knowing how to handle pet-owning tenants will ensure the experience is positive for you and them.
Pet Deposits Are Just Good Business
Even if you’re a fellow pet enthusiast, don’t forgo the pet deposit. Protect your Forest Park rental by requiring additional funds to help with repairs or replacements later. Whether you incorporate a pet deposit, a one-time pet fee, or a monthly pet rent amount, collecting extra is just smart business. Should a tenant’s pet become destructive, you’ll have the resources to protect yourself. And most renters with critters already expect pet deposits as part of the process. They are also incentivized to be more responsible with their four-legged fur pals.
Reducing Potential Property Damage
If you have a vacancy now and plan to open up your applications to include pet owners, there are a few steps to protect your property. Animals, no matter how well behaved, can be messy and destructive. Consider installing hard surface flooring for easier cleanup. Fencing in a backyard can be a property upgrade that is also conducive for pets. Consider walking through your property to look for ways to preserve the integrity of its features.
Be Specific About Noise Ordinances
A dog barking incessantly throughout the night can become a noise nuisance. Don’t presume your Forest Park tenants know to keep the noise under control. Instead, discuss any noise ordinances or guidelines you have in place. And be clear about your processes should noise become an issue with neighbors.
Address Pet-Sitting Scenarios
It happens more often than you’d think. Tenants end up dog or cat sitting for a friend or relative. And all of a sudden, there’s double the mess, double the noise, or double the risk. Consider adding language in your lease about temporary pet-sitting scenarios. And if you do allow such instances, it’s best you require renters to notify ahead of time.
Maintenance & Pet Care Policies
Be precise in your Forest Park lease language about pet maintenance and care policies you put in place. For example, you might have a designated area for dog walking or rules about picking up after a pet. Determine whether or not you plan to allow an outdoor doghouse installation, as well. In addition to any clauses that you include about the pet deposit, be clear about rules you expect your pet-loving tenants to follow. You can additionally outline any consequences for violations along with procedures for bringing additional pets into the property.
Work with a Forest Park Rental Property Partner
Managing tenants can be tedious enough of a job. Adding pets to the equation can become overwhelming, especially if you’re managing more than one property. It may be a good time to partner with a Forest Park rental property manager to help. Having a professional assist your efforts, like PMI South Atlanta, will ensure that you take all the necessary steps to accommodate pets. It also means you’ll have a partner to execute all those must-have conversations with pet-owning applicants to outline rules and consequences.
For more ideas and tips to help manage your Forest Park rental property, contact us! From managing pet policies to pre-screening applicants and collecting rent, our professionals can help you improve your ROI this year.
