Discover why pet screening is crucial for property management. Learn how it ensures responsible pet ownership and protects your rental properties.
Why Pet Screening Is Always a Good Idea
Having a pet-friendly rental property can be both beneficial and challenging. Nonetheless, allowing pets can be a great way to differentiate your rental from other properties. It can also increase your rental pool, as many people have pets and are unable to find a suitable place to live.
If you’re thinking of allowing pets, then you must conduct pet screening. Pet screening is a process that allows you to get to know the pet as well as the pet owner. You can make sure that pets are living on your property.
In this blog, the Keventer Premier team will tell you everything about pet screening. We will discuss why pet screening is so important, what happens during the process, and fees and deposits.
Why Should You Allow Pets in Rental Properties?
Renting out pet-friendly properties is becoming increasingly popular. Many people prefer to live with their pets and are willing to pay more for the privilege. That makes it a great way to attract more tenants. Beyond reliable tenants, pet-friendly properties have numerous benefits. Such as:
- Lower turnover rates: Tenants with pets tend be happier with their living arrangements, therefore stay in their rental properties for longer periods, leading to lower vacation rates for landlords.
- Increased rent: Tenants with pets pay higher rent to secure a pet-friendly property. This gives landlords the opportunity to increase their rental income.
- Reduced risk of property damage: Tenants who have pets have an increased sense of responsibility to maintain their rental property.
What Is Pet Screening?
Pet screening is a process that landlords use to determine if a pet-owning tenant is a good fit for their rental property. Pet screening typically involves a review of the tenant’s pet’s health records and other information such as the pet’s age, size, breed, and history.
During pet screening, you can ask the tenant to provide proof of vaccinations, pet licensing, and flea and tick prevention. You can also check references from the tenant’s previous landlords.
What Happens During Pet Screening?
Pet screening is an important part of the rental process. If the pet has a history of aggression or the past, it may not be a good fit for your rental property. Here’s how you conduct a pet screening:
Request for Pet Screening
The first step in the pet screening process is to request it from the tenant. The tenant should provide proof of vaccinations and any professional references. They should also provide a pet resume that outlines the pet’s history and any training they have had.
Review Pet Information
Once the tenant has provided all the necessary information, you should review it to assess whether the pet would be a suitable tenant. This includes looking at the pet’s history and any potential behavioral problems.
You should also check references. References are especially important when it comes to pet ownership.
Conduct an Interview
You can also conduct an interview with the tenant and the pet. This helps to ensure that the tenant is a responsible pet owner and that the pet is well-behaved. You can also assess the pet’s energy level and behavior around other people and animals.
Do a Home Visit
If possible, you should also do a home visit to see how the pet is being cared for. You can also ensure that the environment is safe and suitable. Check to make sure that the pet is vaccinated and that the space is clean and well-maintained.
Draft Pet Clauses for the Lease Agreement
You should also include a clause in the rental agreement that states that the pet must be up-to-date on vaccinations and flea and tick treatments.
Key Questions to Ask During the Screening Process
When it comes to pet screening, landlords need to ensure they ask the right questions. Here are some of the key questions that landlords should consider:
Questions for pet owners:
- What breed is your pet?
- Is your pet spayed or neutered?
- How old is your pet?
- Does your pet have any behavioral issues?
- Is your pet up-to-date on vaccinations and flea and tick treatments?
- Is your pet house-trained?
- Are you financially able to provide for your pet’s needs?
- Are you willing to provide references from previous landlords regarding your pet’s behavior in a rental setting?
Fees And Deposits You Can Request
Charging an additional pet fee or deposit helps offset the risk of potential damages caused by pets. You should discuss this with your tenants and include this fee in the rental agreement.
Types of fees and deposits to charge tenants with pets:
- Pet Deposit: This is a one-time payment made by the tenant paying for the cost of any pet-related damages.
- Pet Rent: Pet rent is an additional monthly fee charged to tenants for having a pet.
- Pet Fee: A pet fee is a one-time, non-refundable fee that covers the cost of any additional costs associated with having a pet. For example, pest control or additional cleaning.
Bottom Line
Pet screening is a great idea for landlords. It allows you to assess the potential risks of having a pet on your property. You can check the pet’s background, vaccination history, and more. It will give you an edge in the rental market.
Are you interested in talking to an expert? You can always reach out to Keyrenter Premier and get some advice. We understand that renting with a pet can be difficult, and it doesn’t have to be!
Here at Keyrenter Premier, we can help with all aspects of property management. A few examples of our services include tenant screening, property marketing, financial reporting, and more! Get in touch with us today to learn how we can better your landlord experience.