Pets are always a difficult decision for landlords. Most people want pets or already own pets, so banning pets from your property is a sure way to detract a huge chunk of your customer base. For those that own pets, it can be difficult to find a rental because pet rules are strict everywhere they go. Many rentals will allow dogs, cats, fish and even reptiles, but this can be a noise issue, cause odors and disrupt neighbor’s style of life. Here is a look at the worst pets in rental properties.
Fish seem like a harmless pet to have in a rental unit. Most people will allow fish tanks at their properties but you may want to consider a size limit. If the tank breaks, you’ll have flooding bad. Otherwise, you don’t have to worry about noise complains since fish keep to themselves unlike most pets.
Reptiles like snakes are very easy to take care of. The issue with snakes is that they can cause an odor in the room. To feed them, you simply drop a mouse in the cage and you’re done. The issue with reptiles is that they can be more dangerous than other pets if they are loose from their cage.
Dogs can be very enjoyable to tenants. They are happy to see you when you arrive home and it’s great to walk together for exercise. The issue is that a few dogs out of the building may have a barking or crying problem. This can ruin the living experience for neighbors. Regardless of size or breed of dog, some dogs are just louder and make noise more frequently which disturbs others in the building.
Cats are very popular pets because they are low maintenance. They are great companions like dogs and don’t require walks, but they can cause damage. While they are usually quiet, they tend to gnaw on things in the house, scratch walls and beat up property. You may want to charge a higher security deposit for cat owners.
Birds can be the worst pet for your tenants to own. They are hardly ever quiet animals. They regularly screech, gawk and are at their worst when pet owners aren’t home.
These are the worst pets for your tenants to have in your property. If you've suffered damages from pets and need to make sure your property is ready for your next tenant, use our free Make-Ready Checklist. Click the link below to get started.