Take a poll of landlords, and you'll find they often have mixed feelings about the presence of pets in their rental properties. If you're a landlord or property manager, you've likely given some thought as to whether or not you'll allow your tenants to have pets. And if you’re renting to military families, it’s especially important to consider.
A large number of military families move with their pets, and will immediately bypass your property listing if you have a "no pets" policy. Allowing pets opens you up to a broader pool of tenants!
Deciding whether to allow pets in your rental comes down to balancing opportunity with risk. Before making a decision, it helps to weigh both the advantages and potential downsides while creating policies that protect your property and set clear expectations.
Photo by Sarah Rypma via Canva.com
Benefits of Allowing Pets in Your Rental Property
1. Pet-Friendly Rentals Appeal to More Applicants
Allowing pets can expand the number of qualified applicants who consider your property. According to the American Veterinary Association and other sources, about 66% of American households own at least one pet. Compare this to the first year the survey was conducted (1985), when 56% of U.S. households owned a pet. Pet ownership is only growing! For landlords, that means a pet-friendly policy appeals to a substantial segment of renters.
For military renters, who often face additional housing challenges during a PCS move, properties that accommodate pets may stand out in a competitive rental markets.
2. Pet-Friendly Policies Can Mean Longer Tenancies
Having pet-friendly rules can lead to fewer vacancies. While turnover depends on many factors, of course, renters with pets may be more motivated to stay in housing that accommodates their household needs.
Reduced turnover translates into fewer vacancy periods, reduced advertising expenses, and less time spent preparing a property between tenants.
3. Pet-Friendly Properties Can Draw Higher Rent
Pet owners are loyal to their furry companions and often willing to pay more for a pet-friendly home. This varies by location, housing demand, and property type. A study from HotPads gives an example: pet-friendly units in San Francisco cost an average of 12% more than those that don't allow pets.
Landlords commonly use pet deposits, nonrefundable pet fees where permitted by state law, or monthly pet rent to help offset added cleaning or wear-and-tear costs.
This comes with a few caveats, however. Rather than assuming pet-friendly rentals automatically justify higher rent, landlords should review comparable local listings before setting pricing or pet-related fees (more on pet fees below).
It's important to note that federal housing laws prohibit charging pet rent or fees for a service or assistance animal. See below to learn more about what's required of landlords in regard to service animals.
4. Pet Owners Are Often Responsible Tenants
Taking care of pets requires time and attention. Pet owners will more likely view your rental as their home and also give energy to taking care of the property. They also tend to be home more, which means added security.
5. To Support the Military Community
Not only will you enhance your reputation as a landlord, you'll also be supporting military families during a PCS move, which is an already stressful event. Finding a home that allows all their family members, including beloved pets, removes one of those stressors immediately.
And when they move on, they're likely to pass your name on to other potential renters. It's a win-win!
Pets Challenges Landlords Should Consider
Allowing pets in a rental property isn't without risk, and landlords should weigh potential challenges alongside the benefits.
Possible concerns include:
- Property damage such as scratched flooring, stained carpet, or damaged landscaping
- Noise complaints involving barking or disruptive behavior
- Insurance limitations or breed-related exclusions
- Cleaning or odor issues after move-out
- Lease violations involving unauthorized pets or pet-sitting arrangements
These risks don't automatically mean pets are a poor fit for your rental property. Instead, they highlight the importance of clear lease language, consistent tenant screening, and reasonable expectations.
Pet Policy Checklist for Landlords
Learning how to manage rental property effectively includes creating written pet policies, enforcing lease terms consistently, and documenting issues when they arise. Whether you decide to allow pets or maintain a no-pets policy, your lease should clearly explain expectations and requirements.
1. Pet Deposits, Pet Fees, and Pet Rent
Whether you call it a pet deposit, non-refundable pet fees, or monthly pet rent, landlords can use several approaches to cover any damages or cleaning when the tenant moves out.
- Pet deposit: a onetime fee, refundable or partially refundable depending on state law and property damage
- Pet fee: a onetime fee to cover wear and tear, not usually refundable
- Pet rent: monthly fee to cover wear and tear and damages
Not sure how much to charge? Check the local rental market to see what the going rate or deposit is for pet-friendly rentals.
State and local laws vary regarding security deposits and nonrefundable fees, and it's up to landlords to understand the details. Learn more: Understanding Pet Fees, Pet Deposits, and Pet Rent.
2. Put Pet Requirements in Writing
A written pet policy protects both landlords and tenants by establishing expectations from the beginning. The more specific your lease language, the easier it becomes to address problems consistently as they arise.
Pet wording to consider including in your lease:
- Whether landlord approval is required before bringing pets onto the property.
- Any restrictions on size, species, or number of pets allowed.
- If you require proof of spaying/neutering.
- If renters insurance is required and what coverage limits apply. (This covers your tenants and you in the event of an accident or bite.)
- Waste removal and sanitation expectations: stipulate that pet waste will be removed regularly and where it’s to be placed (for instance, in outside trash bins only).
- Proof of current vaccinations and that cats and dogs are micro-chipped and wear tags.
- Behavior expectations and noise/nuisance standards: that pets will be kept under control at all times or leashed when outside of a fenced yard.
- No animals allowed to be tethered or left outside in extreme temperatures or at night, even in a fenced yard.
- Tenant responsibility for pet-related damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- Whether exotic pets are allowed, and what types.
Need help with your lease terms? MilitaryByOwner’s partner, US Legal Forms, offers pet-specific addendums for rental properties.
Photo by diane555 from Getty Images Signature via Canva.com
3. How Many and What Type of Pets You'll Allow
Set Reasonable Limits on Pets
The number of pets you allow should make sense for the property size. A small apartment may require different guidelines than a single-family home with a fenced yard.
As mentioned before, you might limit exotic animals or certain breeds, but you can also require your tenant to seek approval and sign a new agreement if any new pets are added. Also, if you plan to return to the home some day, you want even tighter guidelines if someone in your family has a pet allergy.
Some insurance companies won’t issue renters insurance for certain dog breeds, so check with your insurance provider before deciding which pets to allow.
Think beyond cats and dogs when developing your pet policy. Fish tanks, reptiles, birds, rabbits, and other small animals present their own maintenance or liability concerns. Large aquariums, for example, may raise questions about water damage or flooring weight limits, and even small animals can create damage if left out to roam.
Add wording to your lease along the lines of "tenant’s pets only" if you don’t want a tenant caring for extra pets on your property. Also include specifics about visitors’ animals, including if they're allowed, length of stay, and so on.
4. Understand Service and Assistance Animals
An important topic landlords should understand involves assistance animals. These animals aren't treated the same as household pets under federal housing law.
Under the Fair Housing Act, housing providers must make "reasonable accommodations" for individuals with disabilities who need an assistance animal. Assistance animals includes service animals, as well as emotional support animals in certain circumstances.
The Department of U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides further clarification. Standard pet policies, pet deposits, or pet rent generally don't apply to approved assistance animals. Landlords should review current HUD guidance and applicable state laws before making decisions involving assistance animals.
Refer to HUD for the latest on this topic, as well as ADA.gov.
5. Review HOA and Community Rules
If your rental falls under a homeowners association or condominium community, review governing documents before advertising the rental as pet-friendly. HOA or condo rules often limit the number, breed, size, or type of pets permitted and also address nuisance complaints or noise concerns.
6. Screen Pet Owners the Same Way You Screen Other Tenants
A pet-friendly policy goes hand-in-hand with thorough tenant screening. Ask prospective tenants about the number and type of pets they own, review rental references, and verify that they followed pet policies in previous rentals. Responsible pet ownership is easier to confirm when you speak with prior landlords.
What Happens if a Tenant Violates the Pet Policy?
Even with clear lease terms, problems can occur. Unauthorized pets, noise complaints, property damage, or concerns about neglect require landlord involvement. You or your property manager may see something suspicious during a routine maintenance call or regular inspection that requires action.
Documentation matters. Depending on the situation and state law, landlords or property managers may need written records, photographs, maintenance reports, or complaint histories to support lease enforcement.
Because landlord-tenant laws differ by state, landlords should follow local legal requirements when addressing lease violations involving pets. This often begins with written notice and an opportunity to correct the issue, though procedures vary. Situations involving suspected abuse or neglect may require involvement from animal control or local authorities.
Regular property inspections, with proper notice, can help identify pet-related damage early before minor issues become costly repairs.
Will You Allow Pets in Your Rental?
Whether you decide to allow pets ultimately depends on your property, local market, and comfort level as a landlord. By opening up your rental to pet owners, you'll broaden your potential pool of renters.
A thoughtful pet policy—combined with consistent screening and an understanding of applicable laws—helps landlords protect their investment while creating a positive rental experience for responsible tenants.
