In a country where 66% of households live with a pet, allowing pets in a rental property seems like a no-brainer. As a landlord, though, you know very well that there's more to these pets beyond their furry companionship.
Some pets can be destructive and a source of unreasonably loud noise. Some even pose a danger to people, including the owners. These events can make owning or managing a rental property a nightmare.
That's why landlords in Phoenix must know how to approach the issue of pet ownership by their tenants. Would you love the guidance of an experienced property manager?
Read on!
Understand Pet Regulations in Phoenix
Your hands can be tied when dealing with certain property management issues. That's because tenants have certain rights under Phoenix's landlord-tenant laws.
You must know what tenants' pet ownership rights are before developing pet policies in rentals. In general, state laws give landlords the power to prohibit or allow pets on their properties.
However, the Fair Housing Act, which is a federal law and thus supreme, prohibits landlords from discriminating against people with disabilities who need emotional support or service animals in their day-to-day living.
This effectively means having a complete ban on pets is impossible. But how can you tell that a tenant is entitled to live with their pet under fair housing laws? As part of your pet guidelines, make it clear that such tenants must provide a verifiable ESA letter.
You Can Prohibit Certain Pets
Owning pet-friendly rentals doesn't mean giving tenants free rein. Do that and you'll likely see all kinds of pets, including dangerous snakes.
We don't know about you, but we bet many prospective tenants will avoid your property if they hear there's a tenant who lives with a python!
In the interest of protecting your property and tenants, it's quite in order to prohibit certain types. In addition to exotic pets, you can also prohibit more common pets, such as certain breeds of dogs and cats, that are known to be aggressive and destructive.
Introduce Pet Fees/Pet Deposit
The truth is pets present a risk of financial loss to landlords. Even with a comprehensive pet policy, pet-caused damage is still a possibility. The loss can be especially greater if your property is furnished with expensive carpets, furniture, and drapes.
To protect yourself, you can introduce pet fees or deposit. A fee is paid every month is not refundable while a pet deposit is payable once and is usually refundable after all pet-related damages have been accounted for.
That being said, keep in mind that you cannot charge these fees to people who have an ESA prescription.
Know How to Handle Pets in a Rental Property
As a landlord, it's your responsibility to draw a pet policy for your property. A good policy will protect your investment while advocating for the rights and preferences of your tenants.
If you'd like to get professional help handling the issues of pets in a rental property, LHM Realty is here for you. We are a full-service rental property management company serving the Phoenix Metro area. Our vast industry experience is reflected in the number of satisfied clients we have.
Keep reading our blog for more rental property tips.
