Pets are part of the family so when we move they move with us. Or maybe you’re looking to rent a pet-friendly home knowing you and your family are planning to get a pet in the future. Either way, it’s important to understand what landlords and property management companies mean when they say a property is pet-friendly and what that looks like to you as the renter. The term “pet-friendly” varies across properties and management companies so it’s crucial before you sign a lease or adopt a pet, that you understand your specific landlord’s policies.
What is a pet-friendly rental home?
A pet-friendly rental home refers to a property or housing unit where the landlord or property manager allows tenants to have pets. In other words, it’s a rental property that welcomes residents with their animals, typically dogs and cats, but sometimes other types of pets as well. Though, restrictions on breeds and types of animals are common so always ask ahead of time.
When a rental home is labeled as “pet-friendly,” it means that the landlord has specific policies in place to accommodate tenants who own pets. These policies may include:
- Pet Deposit or Fee: This is one of the most standard and common requirements for pet-friendly rental homes. This is when the landlord requires tenants to pay a separate pet deposit or non-refundable pet fee. This fee is usually per pet but may be a flat fee regardless of how many pets are in the home. This fee is used to cover any potential damage caused by the pet during the lease term, as well as any additional cleaning that may be needed post-move-out due to the pet. Pet deposits vary in amount so be sure to check with your landlord or property management company beforehand.
- Pet Rent: This is different from the one-time pet deposit, and can often be in addition to it, but some landlords may charge pet rent on a monthly basis. This is an extra amount added to the regular rent to cover the cost of having a pet in the rental property.
- Pet Policies and Rules: These rules and policies vary widely so be sure to understand your landlord’s specific policies, but these are firm and must be followed. Failure to do so can often result in eviction. These include pet behavior requirements, leash rules, designated pet areas for bathroom and play breaks, and more. This is often where you will find a landlord’s breed restriction policy, including aggressive breeds, weight limitations, types of animals that are outright prohibited, etc…
- Pet Liability Insurance: Some landlords may require tenants with pets to obtain pet liability insurance. This insurance helps protect the landlord and other tenants in case the pet causes injury or property damage.
- Pet Screening Process: In some cases, landlords may utilize a third-party pet screening service to assess the potential risks associated with specific pets and breeds. These services may evaluate the pet’s behavior, training, and other factors to determine if they are suitable for the rental property. This is all in an effort to ensure the safety of other tenants as well as to protect the property overall.
It’s important for tenants interested in renting a pet-friendly home to review and understand the specific pet policies outlined in the lease agreement. These policies may vary from one landlord to another, and it’s essential for tenants to comply with them to maintain a positive rental experience.
Keep in mind that even in pet-friendly houses for rent, there may still be certain restrictions, such as limits on the number of pets, breed restrictions, or size limitations. As such, tenants should inquire about the specific pet-related policies and any associated costs before signing the lease agreement.
Policies Landlords Might Have About Pets
So, what are some pet policies that property management may have for renters? Here are some policies to ensure the protection of the property and maintain a comfortable and safe living environment for all tenants and surrounding neighbors. These policies can vary widely depending on the individual landlord and property, but here are some common examples:
- No Pets Allowed: Some landlords may have a strict no-pets policy, meaning they are not a property that will accept pets of any kind. This policy is often put in place to minimize potential damage to the property and to accommodate tenants with allergies or phobias.
- Pet Size and Breed Restrictions: Some landlords may allow pets, but with restrictions on the size and breeds they accept. For instance, they may permit only small dogs or cats, or they may have a list of prohibited dog breeds that are often considered more high-risk or aggressive. This also pertains to size, with landlords often putting limits on the weight and size of the permitted animals.
- Documentation and Vaccination Records: Landlords might ask for documentation of the pet’s current vaccinations and health status to ensure that the pet is well cared for and poses no health risks to other tenants. Proof of vaccinations will likely need to be shown each time they are updated with the vet.
- Pet Behavior Requirements: Landlords may insist that tenants with pets ensure their animals are well-behaved and properly trained. Excessive noise, aggression, or destructive behavior can be grounds for eviction.
- Pet-Specific Rules: Some landlords may have specific rules, like requiring pets to be leashed while in common areas, designating certain areas for pet waste disposal, or restricting pets from certain parts of the property.
- Number of Pets: There might be a limit on the number of pets allowed per rental unit. For instance, a landlord may allow only one or two pets per household.
It’s essential for tenants to review and understand the pet policies outlined in the lease agreement before signing it. If a tenant has multiple pets and the rental property has a strict pet limit policy, it’s best to inquire with the landlord upfront to avoid any misunderstandings or issues later on.
What Happens if a Pet Destroys Property
Pets can be unpredictable and accidents happen. So what happens if you’re renting a pet-friendly home and your animal causes damage to the home? Well, the consequences and responsibilities depend on the terms outlined in the lease agreement and the laws governing landlord-tenant relationships in the specific jurisdiction. Here’s what typically happens:
- Tenant’s Liability: In most cases, the tenant is liable for any damage caused by their pet. This includes damages to the property’s structure, furnishings, and other items. The tenant may be responsible for repairing or replacing the damaged items at their expense.
- Pet Deposit or Fee: If the landlord has collected a separate pet deposit or non-refundable pet fee, they can use that amount to cover the cost of repairs for the pet-related damages. The purpose of this deposit or fee is to provide the landlord with a safeguard against pet-related damages beyond normal wear and tear.
- Deducting from Security Deposit: If the pet deposit is insufficient to cover the full cost of repairs, the landlord may deduct the necessary amount from the tenant’s security deposit. Landlords typically hold security deposits as a security measure against damages to the property, unpaid rent, or breaches of the lease agreement. However, the deduction must be justified and documented.
- Additional Charges: If the damage exceeds both the pet deposit and the security deposit, the landlord may bill the tenant for the remaining amount. Depending on the jurisdiction, landlords may be allowed to take legal action to recover the costs.
- Pet Liability Insurance: If the tenant has obtained pet liability insurance, the policy might cover some or all of the damages caused by the pet. The landlord may request proof of such insurance before permitting pets on the property.
- Lease Termination or Eviction: In severe cases of pet-related damages or if the tenant does not comply with the lease agreement’s pet policies, the landlord may choose to terminate the lease or evict the tenant. However, eviction laws vary by location and must be followed strictly to avoid legal issues.
It’s crucial for tenants to communicate openly with their landlords about any pet-related incidents and to promptly address and repair any damages. Tenants should also carefully read and understand the pet-related clauses in their lease agreement to ensure they comply with all policies and requirements.
For landlords, documenting the condition of the property before a tenant with a pet moves in and conducting regular inspections can help identify damages caused by the pet and determine the extent of liability. Communication and mutual understanding between landlords and tenants can help prevent disputes over pet-related damages and create a more harmonious rental relationship.
At SimplyHome by Camillo, you’ll find pet-friendly homes for rent in Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Bryan/College Station, as well as surrounding suburbs. Reach out today to learn more about our pet-friendly policies and requirements, as well as our available houses that will be perfect for you and your pet.
