<p dir="ltr"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/A%20guide%20to%20rental%20pet%20poolicies%201.png" style="width: 777px; height: 291px;" /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Pet policies are often a quandary for landlords and property managers. On the one hand, allowing pets can greatly increase demand for your rental and open up many new potential applicants with a fair and friendly pet policy. On the other hand, a poorly written pet policy can put landlords at potential risk for severe damage and also complaints from nearby renters or residents.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The best protection for renting with pets is a solid, written pet rental policy that provides fair allowances to tenants while also creating adequate protection for managers and owners. Here are some must-know facts to consider when creating your <a href="https://www.rentspree.com/blog/pet-screening">pet application</a>.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Legal Guidelines and Pet Policies</h2>
<p dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/smart-landlord-policies-pet-friendly-29763.html">Nolo's legal experts</a> advise that landlords have a number of legal exceptions they are able to make when creating a pet policy. Landlords are able to limit the size, number, type, and breed of pets allowed in your building. Landlords are also able to restrict rentals to having no pets at all.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Landlords may additionally set their own screening criteria, set their own pet rent and fees, and even set standards of health for resident pets. A landlord may additionally establish a grandfather clause if choosing to change pet policies going forward so that it does not affect existing tenants and stable renting relationships.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/Legal%20Guidlines%20and%20Pet%20Policies.png" style="width: 100%;" /></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Breed-specific Policies for Pet Rental</h2>
<p dir="ltr">While there are national legal guidelines for pet policies, it will pay to consider your local setting before finalizing any policy. One controversial subject is in regard to "dangerous breeds." Some municipalities or local governments will have breed-specific legislation that may ban, limit, or track a specific pet breed -- typically dogs such as pit bull breeds or rottweilers. More common is that some insurance policies will also refuse coverage if these so-called "dangerous breeds" are included in a rental policy. Landlords will typically have to accommodate local laws and insurance designations regarding these types of pets, whether the owner personally agrees with these policies or not.</p>
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<p dir="ltr"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/Breed%20Specific%20Policies%20For%20Pet%20Rental.png" style="width: 100%;" /></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Pet Interviews</h2>
<p dir="ltr">For those landlords that have the option to just pets on more than just breed, it is recommended instead to rent based on a "doggy interview." Judging pets on an individual basis will allow you to find the perfect fit for your rental property. By basing your criteria on behavior instead of breed you can help prevent trouble from nervous diggers, anxious small and large dogs that may scratch or bark, or aggressive animals of all sizes. Consider asking for proof of health from veterinarians or trainers, in addition to a "doggy resume" that introduces the animal and a behavioral interview where you walk the property with the prospective tenant and pet.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><img alt="" src="/images/blog/Pet%20Interviews.png" style="width: 100%;" /></p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Non-traditional Pets</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Landlords should also include provisions if wishing to rent to non-traditional pets including reptiles, rodents, birds and fish. Common problem animals for landlords include tenants that have large fish tanks or exotic pets.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Explains <a href="https://www.rocketlawyer.com/real-estate/landlords/residential-property/legal-guide/of-fish-tanks-and-tenants-keeping-sharks-out-and-tenants-happy">Rocket Lawyer</a>, tenants often think that caged animals can do no harm but the opposite is actually quite true. Large fish tanks may leak or break causing a very significant amount of water to damage the rental property. When considering exotic animals such as snakes, if the animal is able to escape from the cage it can cause both havoc and fear among other renters or neighbors. While other animals such as birds may not strike the same emotions, they can potentially be very loud and cause a noise disturbance compared to similar sized pets.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Finally, some non-traditional exotic pets may not actually be legal. All pets must be animals that are safe and legal to own in a home. For specific cases where extended damage or disturbance is a potential, consider adding a damages clause and/or deposit before renting to a tenant with these forms of pet.</p>
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<h2 dir="ltr">Service and Assistance Animals</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Quite simply, a well-trained working animal will be an asset to your property while an untrained "support" animal may cause extended issues. First and foremost, you must follow the law, but landlords do have some rights in permitting or protesting pets designated "service" without reasonable proof -- yet it's still a bit murky.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The Fair Housing Act (FHA) requires even non-pet landlords to make "reasonable accommodations" for a service pet or assistance animal. Service pets are those including guide dogs for the blind or detection dogs for the epileptic and are not restricted by other anti-pet laws or ordinances, being deemed as necessary as a cane or wheelchair. Support animals are companion pets that provide a service, such as PTSD support and can be certified with a letter from a doctor or medical provider.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Landlords must make all efforts to reasonably accommodate these animals although in some cases may ask to see proof of need form a medical provider, and should waive all pet fees should this application be verifiable.</p>
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