Introduction
Having pets in your rental property can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, pet owners are usually responsible and reliable tenants who are more likely to stay longer in a property. On the other hand, pets can be a major source of damage to your property, which can cost a lot of money to repair. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to protect your rental property from pet damage.
Screen Your Tenants Carefully
The first step to avoiding pet damage in your rental property is to screen your tenants carefully. Before allowing any potential tenants to move in, make sure you ask them about their pets and their living habits. It’s essential to understand the type of pet they have, how many animals they are bringing with them, and their daily routine. You can also ask for references from previous landlords who allowed pets on their property to gauge their track record when it comes to pet damage.
Pet Agreement
Once you’ve found a tenant with a pet, be sure to include a pet agreement as part of the lease agreement. The pet agreement should spell out the expectation of pet maintenance and condition of tenant’s pet, such as regular grooming needs or training needs that the tenant must maintain.
The agreement should also include a pet deposit that covers not just damage caused by pets, but any additional cleaning the landlord feels should be performed due to the pet’s presence.
Flooring and Walls
Pets, particularly dogs, can be notoriously tough on flooring and walls. Hardwood floors typically stand up better to pet damage than other types of flooring, but even hardwood floors can develop scratches and dents from claws or accidents. Also, it’s recommended that you opt for a matte finish rather than a shiny finish as it reduces the noticeable scratches caused from pets’ claws.
To protect walls, consider adding a chair rail molding around the room at the height of the pets when they jump up. This chair rail serves just as well at providing protection to walls and dividing painted walls and wallpaper as it can protect the paint from pet damage.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance are critical in preventing pet damage in the rental property. Rental properties with pets will require more frequent cleaning than those without. This is particularly true of carpets, which can quickly become stained and full of hair if not cleaned regularly. Investing in professional cleaning services, specifically for pet hair and stains, at regular intervals can help keep your rental property in good condition.
More frequent air filter cleaning is recommended and can help reduce the dust and pet excess in the air from tenants’ pets. You can also ask tenants to install air purifiers in each room and vacuum cleaners designed for pet hair.
Conclusion
Having tenants with pets in your rental property can be beneficial to your business, but you must prepare yourself for the added expenses often associated with damages caused by pets. With a pet agreement, careful tenant screening and frequent cleaning and maintenance, you can minimize pet damage to your rental property. Don’t let pet damage costs exceed your rent income, engage with your tenants and give the appropriate care and attention needed that can also benefit their pets.