Since pets are treasured members of families, many landlords wonder whether they should allow animals in their rental properties. Here are a few factors to consider before renting to families with pets. 

The Pros & Cons of Allowing Pets

One of the biggest advantages of allowing pets is that your rental property will appeal to a wider range of prospective tenants. Many renters won’t even consider a home that won’t allow them to bring their animals along, so advertising your residence as pet-friendly will churn up a lot of interest. Additionally, since it can be hard to find pet-friendly places to rent, animal owners tend to rent the homes they do find for longer periods. 

On the other hand, allowing pets does increase your liability and the potential for additional costs. If the animal bites another person, property owners could be partially liable for allowing pets. Many pets also chew up carpets, scratch doors, and leave long-lasting odors. You might get complaints about the animal making noise as well.

Placing Restrictions on Pet Residency

If you want to appeal to pet owners while reducing your risk of accumulating costs, you might place restrictions on pet residency. Many property owners only allow pets under a certain weight. Others limit the number of pets or ban breeds with aggressive reputations.

Keep in mind that even if you choose not to allow pets, the Fair Housing Act protects people with disabilities, many of whom have service animals. In this case, you would not be able to refuse a potential tenant because of a no-pets restriction.

If you need help wording your pet policy for a rental property, turn to Classic Maui Properties. For more than 40 years, the trusted team of property management specialists has helped homeowners find reliable tenants, mitigate costs, and simplify day-to-day tasks involved with looking after rentals. Explore property management services on their website, or call (808) 878-1001 to get started.