Here’s the question every property owner asks:
“Should I allow pets?” And here’s what most property managers say:
“No. Pets destroy properties. They cause damage. They create liability. They’re too much trouble.”
So they ban pets entirely.
And here’s what happens:
They lose 30-40% of potential tenants.
They lose quality applicants who have pets.
They lose long-term tenants who want to keep their pets.
They lose rental income.
And they think they’re protecting their properties.
But they’re actually losing money.
Here’s the truth:
A smart pet policy doesn’t ban pets. It manages them.
And a well-managed pet policy protects your properties while attracting more tenants, increasing retention, and generating additional revenue.
At Simply Live, we allow pets. Lots of them.
And our properties are in better condition than properties with pet bans. Here’s why: Our $35/month pet policy.
The Pet Market: Why Pets Matter
Here’s the reality: 67% of U.S. households own pets.
That’s 2 out of every 3 potential tenants.
If you ban pets, you’re rejecting 2 out of every 3 applicants.
Even if only 1 out of 3 remaining applicants is qualified, you’re still losing money. Here’s the math:
Scenario A: No Pet Policy (Ban All Pets) 100 applicants apply for your property – 67 have pets (rejected immediately) – 33 don’t have pets (screened) – 10 qualify (30% approval rate) – Average time to fill vacancy: 45 days – Average rent: $1,200/month – Lost revenue during vacancy: $1,800 (1.5 months) – Turnover cost: $2,000 (cleaning, repairs, marketing) – Total cost per vacancy: $3,800 Scenario B: Smart Pet Policy (Allow Pets With $35/Month Fee) 100 applicants apply for your property – 67 have pets (screened with pet policy) – 33 don’t have pets (screened) – 20 qualify (20% approval rate from pet owners, 30% from non-pet owners) – Average time to fill vacancy: 20 days – Average rent: $1,200/month + $35/month pet fee = $1,235/month – Lost revenue during vacancy: $800 (0.67 months) Turnover cost: $2,000 (cleaning, repairs, marketing) – Total cost per vacancy: $2,800
Savings per vacancy: $1,000 Additional revenue per pet tenant per year: $420 ($35 × 12 months) At 50 properties with 20% pet occupancy: – 10 properties with pet tenants – $420 × 10 = $4,200/year in additional revenue – Plus faster vacancy fill times – Plus higher retention rates – Plus better tenant quality
Total annual benefit: $5,000-$7,000+
The Pet Problem: What Property Owners Fear
Here’s what property owners worry about:
Fear 1: Pet Damage What they think: – Pets destroy floors – Pets destroy walls – Pets destroy carpets – Pets create odors – Properties become unrentable The reality: – Pet damage is real, but it’s manageable – Pet damage is preventable with the right policy – Pet damage costs less than vacancy costs – Pet damage is covered by pet deposits and pet fees
Fear 2: Liability What they think: – Tenants’ pets bite people – Owners are liable for injuries – Lawsuits are expensive – Insurance doesn’t cover pet liability
The reality: – Pet liability is real, but it’s manageable – Pet liability is covered by insurance (with proper policy) – Pet liability is prevented with tenant screening – Pet liability is reduced with clear pet policies
Fear 3: Neighbor Complaints What they think: – Pets bark all day – Pets disturb neighbors – Neighbors complain Conflicts arise – Tenants leave
The reality: – Barking dogs are a problem, but it’s manageable – Clear policies prevent most issues – Tenant screening reduces problem pets – Enforcement prevents escalation
Fear 4: Odor and Cleanliness What they think: – Pets create permanent odors – Properties smell like urine – Odors linger after tenants leave – Properties are hard to rent
The reality: – Pet odor is real, but it’s preventable – Professional cleaning removes odors – Proper maintenance prevents buildup – Pet deposits cover cleaning costs
Fear 5: Increased Turnover What they think: – Pet owners move more frequently – More turnover means more costs – More turnover means more vacancy
The reality: – Pet owners actually stay longer – They’re more committed to properties that allow pets – Retention rates are higher with pet-friendly policies – Turnover is actually lower
The Simply Live Pet Policy: How We Do It
Here’s our pet policy at Simply Live: The Basics: – Maximum 2 pets per unit – Pet deposit: $200-$500 per pet (depending on property) – Pet fee: $35/month per pet – Allowed pets: Dogs, cats, and small animals (rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) – Not allowed: Exotic animals, aggressive breeds (enforced case-by-case), animals with documented aggression history
The Screening:
Before we approve a pet: – We verify pet ownership (breed, age, size, vaccination records) – We check for documented aggression history – We require proof of current vaccinations – We may require a pet interview (meet and greet) – We verify pet liability insurance (for large dogs)
The Enforcement:
After we approve a pet: – We include pet policy in lease – We conduct bi-annual inspections (check for damage, odor, cleanliness) – We document any issues – We address issues immediately – We enforce consequences (warnings, fines, eviction if necessary)
The Revenue:
Per pet, per year: – Pet deposit (one-time): $200-$500 – Pet fee (monthly): $35 × 12 = $420/year – Total per pet per year: $420-$920
At 50 properties with 30% pet occupancy: – 15 properties with pets – Average 1.5 pets per property = 22.5 pets – 22.5 pets × $420 = $9,450/year in pet fees – Plus pet deposits (one-time): $4,500-$11,250 – Total annual revenue: $13,950-$20,700
The Protection:
Pet deposits cover: – Deep cleaning after move-out – Odor removal – Carpet replacement (if necessary) – Wall repairs (if necessary) – Flooring repairs (if necessary)
Pet fees cover: – Increased maintenance (more frequent cleaning, yard maintenance) Increased wear and tear – Increased insurance costs – Administrative costs of pet screening and enforcement
Why $35/Month? The Math Behind the Fee
Here’s why $35/month is the perfect pet fee: It’s High Enough to: – Cover increased maintenance costs – Deter irresponsible pet owners – Generate meaningful revenue – Offset increased insurance costs – Pay for additional inspections and enforcement
It’s Low Enough to: – Not deter responsible pet owners – Remain competitive with other pet-friendly properties – Be affordable for most tenants – Not create affordability issues – Remain attractive compared to pet-free properties
The Competitive Landscape:
National pet fee averages: – $25-$50/month (most common) – $200-$500 pet deposits (most common) – $50-$100 pet fees (less common, higher end)
Simply Live’s positioning: – $35/month pet fee (middle of the range, competitive) $200-$500 pet deposits (standard) – Clear, transparent policy (no hidden fees) Reasonable, fair, attractive to responsible pet owners
The Tenant Perspective:
For a tenant with one pet: – $35/month = $420/year – That’s less than pet insurance ($50-$100/month) – That’s less than pet daycare ($20-$40/day) – That’s less than pet boarding ($50-$100/day) – It’s a bargain for pet-friendly housing
For a tenant with two pets: – $70/month = $840/year – Still reasonable for pet-friendly housing – Still less than alternatives – It’s a bargain for pet-friendly housing
The Landlord Perspective:
For a property owner with 50 properties: – 15 properties with pets (30% occupancy) 22.5 pets total (average 1.5 per property) – $35 × 22.5 pets × 12 months = $9,450/year That’s $189/property/year in pet fee revenue – Plus pet deposits: $4,500-$11,250 (onetime) – It’s meaningful revenue with minimal additional cost
The Pet Deposit: Your Safety Net
Here’s how pet deposits work:
The Amount:
Small pets (cats, small dogs under 25 lbs): – Pet deposit: $200 Large pets (dogs over 25 lbs): – Pet deposit: $300-$500 (depending on breed and size) Multiple pets: – First pet: $200-$500 – Second pet: $150-$300 (reduced) The Purpose:
Pet deposits cover: – Deep cleaning after move-out – Odor removal (enzymatic treatment) – Carpet replacement (if necessary) – Wall repairs (if necessary) – Flooring repairs (if necessary) – Yard repairs (if necessary)
The Protection:
Example 1: Normal Wear and Tear – Tenant moves out – Property has minor scratches, normal odor – Deep cleaning removes odor – Cost: $300 – Pet deposit covers it – Tenant gets nothing back
Example 2: Significant Damage – Tenant moves out – Property has deep scratches, strong odor, stains – Deep cleaning, enzymatic treatment, carpet spot repair – Cost: $600 – Pet deposit covers it – Tenant gets nothing back
Example 3: Severe Damage – Tenant moves out – Property has deep damage, strong odor, carpet replacement needed – Deep cleaning, enzymatic treatment, carpet replacement – Cost: $1,200 – Pet deposit covers $500 – Owner covers remaining $700 Tenant gets nothing back
The Tenant Perspective:
Most responsible pet owners: – Know their pet may cause damage – Expect to lose pet deposit – Accept it as cost of pet ownership – Are willing to pay it
Irresponsible pet owners: – Don’t expect to lose pet deposit – Are surprised when they do – Complain about it – Don’t rent from you again
The Screening Effect:
Pet deposits screen out irresponsible pet owners: – They know they’ll lose the deposit – They know they’ll have to pay for damage – They’re less likely to apply – Your tenant quality improves
The Pet Screening Process: How to Approve the Right Pets
Here’s how to screen pets properly:
Step 1: Verify Pet Ownership Questions to ask: – What type of pet? (breed, species) – How old is the pet? – How much does the pet weigh? – Is the pet spayed/neutered? – Does the pet have any behavioral issues? – Has the pet ever been aggressive? – Does the pet have any medical issues?
Documentation to request: – Proof of ownership (adoption papers, vet records) Vaccination records (proof of current vaccinations) – Microchip information (if applicable) – Vet references (contact info for current vet)
Red flags: – Breed restrictions (pit bulls, rottweilers, etc. – check your insurance) Aggressive history (any documented aggression) – Multiple pets with no explanation Unwillingness to provide documentation – Evasive answers about pet behavior
Step 2: Check for Documented Aggression Questions to ask: – Has the pet ever bitten anyone? – Has the pet ever attacked another animal? – Has the pet ever been reported to animal control? – Has the pet ever been banned from a property?
Documentation to request: – Animal control records (if applicable) – Vet records (any behavioral notes) – Previous landlord references (pet behavior)
Red flags: – Any history of bites or attacks – Multiple animal control reports – Previous landlord complaints about aggression – Breed with known aggression issues – Owner downplaying aggressive behavior
Step 3: Verify Vaccinations Required vaccinations: – Dogs: Rabies, DHPP (distemper, hepatitis, parvo, parainfluenza) – Cats: Rabies, FVRCP (feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia) – Other animals: Depends on species
Documentation: – Current vaccination records from vet – Proof of rabies vaccination (most important) – Proof of other required vaccinations
Red flags: – No vaccination records – Expired vaccinations – Unwillingness to provide records – Vet records don’t match tenant’s story
Step 4: Contact Previous Landlord Questions to ask: – How long did the tenant have the pet? – Were there any issues with the pet? – Did the pet cause any damage? – Were there any neighbor complaints? Would you rent to this tenant with this pet again? What to listen for: – Hesitation or evasiveness – Complaints about damage or behavior – Neighbor issues – Unwillingness to recommend
Red flags: – Negative feedback about pet behavior – Complaints about damage Neighbor conflicts – Landlord wouldn’t rent to them again
Step 5: Pet Interview (Optional) For large dogs or pets with unknown history: – Meet the pet in person – Assess temperament – Assess size and energy level – Assess owner’s control of pet – Make final decision
What to look for: – Is the pet calm and well-behaved? – Does the owner have control of the pet? – Is the pet friendly and non-aggressive? – Is the pet appropriate for apartment living?
Red flags: – Pet is aggressive or anxious – Owner has poor control – Pet is overly energetic for apartment living – Pet is unfriendly or hostile
Step 6: Make Final Decision Approve if: – All documentation is provided – No history of aggression – Vaccinations are current – Previous landlord recommends – Pet interview (if conducted) is positive Pet is appropriate for property type
Deny if: – Documentation is incomplete or missing – History of aggression – Vaccinations are expired or missing – Previous landlord has concerns – Pet interview (if conducted) is negative – Pet is not appropriate for property type
The Pet Policy Enforcement: How to Protect Your Properties
Here’s how to enforce your pet policy:
The Lease Language:
Include in lease: – Maximum number of pets allowed – Pet deposit amount – Pet fee amount – Prohibited pets (exotic animals, aggressive breeds) – Tenant responsibility for pet damage – Tenant responsibility for pet behavior – Inspection rights for pet-related issues – Consequences for policy violations
Example lease language: “Tenant may keep up to 2 pets (dogs and/or cats) in the unit, subject to approval by Owner. Tenant must pay a non-refundable pet deposit of $ [amount] per pet and a monthly pet fee of $35 per pet. Tenant is responsible for all damage caused by pets, including but not limited to flooring, walls, carpets, and yard. Tenant is responsible for controlling pet behavior and preventing noise disturbances. Owner reserves the right to inspect the unit for pet-related issues. Violation of this pet policy may result in warnings, fines, or eviction.”
The Inspections:
Bi-annual inspections (at minimum): – Check for pet damage (scratches, stains, odors) – Check for cleanliness (no excessive hair, waste, etc.) – Check for odors (enzymatic treatment may be needed) – Document findings – Address issues immediately
What to look for: – Scratches on doors, frames, walls – Stains on carpets or flooring Odors (fresh or lingering) – Excessive pet hair – Waste or accidents – Damage to yard (digging, dead grass, etc.)
Documentation: – Take photos of any damage – Note odors and severity – Document date and time of inspection – Keep records for future reference
The Enforcement:
Minor issues (normal wear and tear): – Document findings – No action needed – Will be covered by pet deposit at move-out
Moderate issues (preventable damage): – Send warning letter to tenant – Request immediate remediation – Offer solutions (enzymatic cleaning, odor removal) – Set deadline for improvement – Follow up with inspection
Severe issues (significant damage): – Send formal notice to tenant – Require immediate remediation – Charge tenant for repairs (if lease allows) – Consider lease violation – May pursue eviction if not resolved
Persistent issues (repeated violations): – Document all violations – Send formal notice of lease violation – Give tenant 30 days to cure – If not cured, pursue eviction Follow legal procedures for your state
The Pet Policy Benefits: Why It Works
Here’s why a smart pet policy works:
Benefit 1: Increased Tenant Pool Without pet policy: – 100 applicants – 67 have pets (rejected) – 33 don’t have pets (screened) – 10 qualify
With pet policy: – 100 applicants – 67 have pets (screened) – 33 don’t have pets (screened) – 20 qualify
Result: 2x more qualified applicants
Benefit 2: Faster Vacancy Fill Without pet policy: – Average vacancy: 45 days – Lost revenue: $1,800 (1.5 months) With pet policy: – Average vacancy: 20 days – Lost revenue: $800 (0.67 months) Savings: $1,000 per vacancy
Benefit 3: Higher Retention Without pet policy: – Pet owners move to pet-friendly properties – Turnover: 40-50% With pet policy: – Pet owners stay longer – Turnover: 20-30% – Savings: $2,000$3,000 per retained tenant
Benefit 4: Additional Revenue Per pet, per year: – Pet fee: $35 × 12 = $420/year – Pet deposit: $200-$500 (one-time)
At 50 properties with 30% pet occupancy: – 15 properties with pets – 22.5 pets total $420 × 22.5 = $9,450/year in pet fees – Plus pet deposits: $4,500-$11,250 – Total: $13,950-$20,700/year
Benefit 5: Better Tenant Quality Pet owners who: – Pass pet screening – Accept pet deposits and fees – Are willing to follow pet policy – Are responsible and stable – Are higher quality tenants overall
Benefit 6: Competitive Advantage In a competitive market: – Pet-friendly properties attract more applicants – Pet-friendly properties fill faster – Pet-friendly properties command higher rents – Pet-friendly properties have better retention – Pet-friendly properties are more profitable
The Pet Damage Reality: What Actually Happens
Here’s what actually happens with pet damage: The Statistics:
Pet damage claims (national average): – 30% of pet-owning tenants cause no damage – 50% of pet-owning tenants cause minor damage ($100-$500) – 15% of petowning tenants cause moderate damage ($500-$1,500) – 5% of pet-owning tenants cause severe damage ($1,500+)
The Cost Breakdown:
Minor damage (50% of cases): – Average cost: $200-$300 – Covered by pet deposit: Yes – Owner loss: $0
Moderate damage (15% of cases): – Average cost: $800-$1,000 – Covered by pet deposit: Partially (deposit is $200-$500) – Owner loss: $300-$500
Severe damage (5% of cases): – Average cost: $2,000-$3,000 – Covered by pet deposit: Partially (deposit is $200-$500) – Owner loss: $1,500-$2,500
Overall expected pet damage cost: – (30% × $0) + (50% × $250) + (15% × $900) + (5% × $2,000) – = $0 + $125 + $135 + $100 – = $360 per pet per year
The Revenue vs. Cost:
Per pet, per year: – Pet fee revenue: $420 – Pet deposit revenue (amortized): ~$50$100/year – Total revenue: $470-$520/year
Pet damage cost: – Expected damage: $360/year Net benefit: – $470-$520 – $360 = $110-$160/year per pet – Profit: $110-$160 per pet per year At 50 properties with 30% pet occupancy: – 22.5 pets – $135 × 22.5 = $3,037.50/year net profit from pets – Plus faster vacancy fill times – Plus higher retention – Total benefit: $5,000-$7,000+/year
The Pet Policy Mistakes: What NOT to Do
Here are the mistakes to avoid:
Mistake 1: No Pet Screening What not to do: – Allow any pet without approval – Don’t verify ownership – Don’t check for aggression history – Don’t require vaccinations – Don’t contact previous landlords Why it’s a mistake: – You get aggressive pets – You get unvaccinated pets – You get problem tenants – You get property damage – You get liability issues
What to do instead: – Require pet approval before move-in – Verify ownership and vaccinations – Check for aggression history – Contact previous landlords – Conduct pet interviews if necessary
Mistake 2: Pet Fee Too Low What not to do: – Charge $10-$15/month – Don’t cover maintenance costs – Don’t generate meaningful revenue – Don’t deter irresponsible owners
Why it’s a mistake: – Revenue doesn’t cover costs – You attract irresponsible owners You don’t offset damage – You lose money on pets
What to do instead: – Charge $35-$50/month – Cover maintenance costs – Generate meaningful revenue – Deter irresponsible owners
Mistake 3: Pet Fee Too High What not to do: – Charge $75-$100/month – Price out responsible owners – Make properties unaffordable – Lose competitive advantage
Why it’s a mistake: – You lose pet-owning applicants – You lose competitive advantage – You lose revenue – You lose market share
What to do instead: – Charge $35-$50/month – Remain competitive – Attract responsible owners – Maintain market advantage
Mistake 4: Pet Deposit Too Low What not to do: – Charge $50-$100 pet deposit – Don’t cover damage costs – Don’t protect property
Why it’s a mistake: – Deposit doesn’t cover damage – You lose money on repairs – You can’t protect property
What to do instead: – Charge $200-$500 pet deposit – Cover damage costs – Protect property
Mistake 5: No Enforcement What not to do: – Don’t inspect for pet issues – Don’t address damage – Don’t enforce policy – Don’t follow up on violations Why it’s a mistake: – Damage accumulates – Tenants ignore policy – Property deteriorates – You lose money
What to do instead: – Conduct bi-annual inspections – Address issues immediately Enforce policy consistently – Follow up on violations
Mistake 6: Breed Restrictions Without Insurance Review What not to do: – Ban breeds without checking insurance – Violate insurance requirements – Create liability issues
Why it’s a mistake: – Insurance may not cover certain breeds – You create liability exposure – You may violate lease
What to do instead: – Review insurance policy – Understand breed restrictions Enforce restrictions consistently – Verify insurance covers your policy
The Tenant Perspective: Why Pet Owners Love This Policy
Here’s why responsible pet owners love a smart pet policy:
Reason 1: It’s Transparent What tenants appreciate: – Clear pet policy in lease – No hidden fees or surprises Known pet deposit and fee amounts – Clear expectations
Why it matters: – Tenants know what to expect – Tenants can budget for pet costs Tenants trust the landlord – Tenants are more likely to stay
Reason 2: It’s Fair What tenants appreciate: – Pet fee is reasonable ($35/month) – Pet deposit is standard ($200-$500) – Policy is consistent for all tenants – No discrimination
Why it matters: – Tenants feel respected – Tenants accept the terms – Tenants don’t feel exploited – Tenants are more satisfied
Reason 3: It’s Manageable What tenants appreciate: – Pet fee is affordable ($35/month = $420/year) – Pet deposit is reasonable – Policy doesn’t make housing unaffordable – Tenants can afford to keep their pets Why it matters: – Tenants don’t have to choose between pets and housing – Tenants are more satisfied – Tenants stay longer – Tenants recommend property to others
Reason 4: It’s Protective What tenants appreciate: – Policy protects property – Policy protects neighbors – Policy protects other tenants – Policy ensures quality living environment
Why it matters: – Tenants feel safe – Tenants feel respected – Tenants feel like part of community – Tenants are more satisfied
Reason 5: It’s Enforced What tenants appreciate: – Policy is enforced consistently – Irresponsible pet owners are addressed – Neighbors aren’t disturbed – Quality of life is maintained
Why it matters: – Tenants feel protected – Tenants feel respected – Tenants feel like complaints are taken seriously – Tenants are more satisfied
The Competitive Advantage: Why Pet-Friendly Wins
Here’s why a smart pet policy gives you competitive advantage:
In a Competitive Market:
Pet-free properties: – Attract 33% of applicants (non-pet owners only) – Fill vacancies in 45+ days – Have 40-50% turnover – Generate $1,200/month rent – Lose $1,800 per vacancy
Pet-friendly properties: – Attract 100% of applicants (pet and non-pet owners) – Fill vacancies in 20 days – Have 20-30% turnover – Generate $1,235/month rent (with pet fee) – Lose $800 per vacancy
The Advantage:
Per vacancy: – Faster fill time: 25 days faster – Lower vacancy loss: $1,000 less Higher rent: $35/month more
Per year (at 50 properties): – Assuming 1 vacancy per property per year – 50 vacancies × $1,000 savings = $50,000/year – Plus pet fee revenue: $9,450/year – Plus higher retention: $5,000-$10,000/year – Total advantage: $64,450-$69,450/year
That’s $1,289-$1,389 per property per year in competitive advantage. The Implementation: How to Start
Here’s how to implement a smart pet policy:
Step 1: Review Your Insurance Questions to ask your insurance provider: – Does your policy allow pets? – Are there breed restrictions? – Are there size restrictions? – What’s the liability coverage for petrelated incidents? – Do you need additional coverage?
Action items: – Contact your insurance provider – Review your policy – Understand restrictions – Add coverage if necessary
Step 2: Create Your Pet Policy Include in policy: – Maximum number of pets (recommend 2) – Pet types allowed (dogs, cats, small animals) – Prohibited pets (exotic animals, aggressive breeds) – Pet deposit amount ($200-$500) – Pet fee amount ($35/month) – Tenant responsibilities Inspection rights – Enforcement procedures
Step 3: Update Your Lease Add to lease: – Pet policy section – Pet deposit and fee terms – Tenant responsibilities Inspection rights – Consequences for violations
Step 4: Create Pet Screening Process Develop: – Pet screening form – Documentation requirements – Approval process – Pet interview (if applicable) – Previous landlord reference questions
Step 5: Train Your Team Ensure your team understands: – Pet policy details – Pet screening process Inspection procedures – Enforcement procedures – Tenant communication
Step 6: Communicate to Tenants Inform current tenants: – New pet policy (if applicable) – Pet fee structure – Pet deposit requirements – Inspection procedures – How to request pet approval
Inform prospective tenants: – Pet policy in marketing materials – Pet policy on website – Pet policy in application packet – Pet policy in lease
Step 7: Monitor and Adjust Track: – Pet approval rate – Pet-related damage – Pet fee revenue – Tenant satisfaction Retention rates
Adjust policy if necessary: – Increase pet fee if damage is high – Decrease pet fee if approval rate is low – Adjust breed restrictions if needed – Adjust inspection frequency if needed
The Bottom Line: Pets Are Profitable
Here’s the truth:
A smart pet policy doesn’t cost you money. It makes you money.
It: – Attracts more tenants – Fills vacancies faster – Increases retention – Generates additional revenue – Improves tenant quality – Gives competitive advantage
At Simply Live, we manage 158 properties. Approximately 30% have pets. And our pet-owning properties are: – Filled faster – Retained longer – More profitable – In better condition than properties without pets
Why? Because we screen properly, enforce consistently, and charge fairly. Our $35/month pet policy is: – High enough to cover costs – Low enough to attract responsible owners – Fair enough to be accepted by tenants – Profitable enough to make a difference
If you’re currently banning pets, you’re leaving money on the table. If you’re considering allowing pets, a smart pet policy is the answer.
Your Next Steps
Ready to implement a smart pet policy?
Here’s what to do:
Step 1: Review Your Insurance – Contact your insurance provider – Understand pet coverage and restrictions – Add coverage if necessary
Step 2: Create Your Pet Policy – Define pet limits (recommend 2 pets) – Set pet deposit ($200-$500) – Set pet fee ($35/month) – Include in lease
Step 3: Develop Pet Screening Process – Create screening form – Define documentation requirements – Train team on approval process
Step 4: Update Your Marketing – Highlight pet-friendly policy – Attract pet-owning tenants – Differentiate from competitors
Step 5: Monitor and Optimize – Track pet-related metrics – Adjust policy as needed Optimize for profitability Questions about implementing a pet policy?
Want to learn more about attracting and retaining quality tenants?
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation.
We’ll show you how a smart pet policy can transform your business—and your bottom line.
Pets aren’t a liability. They’re an opportunity. A smart pet policy protects your properties, attracts quality tenants, and increases your profitability. At $35/month, it’s a win-win for everyone.
Recent Comments