Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental? Pros, Cons, and Smart Strategies

Let’s talk about the age-old landlord question: Should you allow pets in your rental property? Cue the dramatic music and mental image of a German Shepherd chewing on a baseboard. But hold up, there’s more to this furry dilemma than shredded curtains and “accidents” on the carpet.

If you’re on the fence (no pun intended, okay maybe a little), you’re not alone. Around 70% of U.S. households have at least one pet, according to the American Pet Products Association. That’s a huge chunk of the tenant pool. So banning pets might mean you’re saying “no thanks” to a big group of potential renters.

Let’s see the pros, cons, and clever ways you can make pets work for your property, not against it.

The Pros of Allowing Pets in Your Rental

1. More Tenants, Fewer Vacancies

When you allow pets, you open the door to a wider crowd. With over 90.5 million families in the U.S. owning pets, that’s a lot of tails wagging in your direction. Restricting them can limit your options.

Tenants with pets tend to stay longer, too. Why? Because it’s hard to find pet-friendly places, so they settle in and renew their lease like clockwork.

2. Higher Rent Potential

Pet-friendly properties can charge more. We’re talking $25–$100 per month in pet rent, plus non-refundable pet fees or deposits. That adds up. And it’s fair, after all, Fluffy’s not paying rent, but she is using the carpet.

3. Happier Tenants

Happy pets = happy tenants = fewer complaints. That’s just math. People love their pets like family, so allowing them in the home builds trust and goodwill with renters.

The Cons of Letting Pets Move In

1. Damage Control

Scratches on the floor. Stains on the carpet. Chewed door frames. Not all pets are little angels in fur coats. The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that roughly 10% of renters with pets cause some kind of property damage.

But let’s be real, humans cause damage too. Ever seen what happens when someone tries to hang a 75-inch TV with command strips?

2. Noise and Complaints

Barking dogs, meowing cats, or the occasional parrot screaming song lyrics at 3 a.m. It can ruffle feathers with neighbors, especially in multifamily units.

3. Allergies and Liability

Pet dander can trigger allergic reactions in future tenants. And then there’s liability. What if a dog bites a neighbor or visitor? Some insurance policies have breed restrictions or won’t cover pet-related injuries at all. It’s smart to check with your provider before going full pet-friendly.

How to Allow Pets the Smart Way

You can say “yes” to pets without sacrificing your sanity (or your flooring). Here’s how:

1. Create a Pet Policy That Slaps

Think of it as your pet constitution. Set expectations clearly in the lease:

• Types of pets allowed (sorry, no pet tigers)

• Size or weight limits

• Breed restrictions (if your insurance requires it)

• Number of pets allowed

• Noise rules

• Cleaning expectations

Bonus: Require written approval for every pet. That way, you know who’s living in your unit, paws and all.

2. Charge Pet Rent and Fees

Pet rent is, simply, protection. Most landlords charge:

• $200–$500 non-refundable pet fee

• $25–$50 per month pet rent

• $300–$500 refundable pet deposit

This helps cover wear and tear, and signals to tenants that pets come with responsibility.

3. Screen the Pets (Yes, Really)

You screen tenants, right? Why not their pets too? Ask for:

• Pet references from previous landlords

• Vet records and vaccinations

• Proof of training for dogs

• Photos (because who doesn’t want to see a cute dog in a bowtie?)

  
  

Screening pets keeps surprises to a minimum.

4. Use a Pet Addendum

A lease without a pet addendum is like peanut butter without jelly, it just feels wrong. This legal doc outlines all pet-related rules and protects you in case of future issues.

5. Ask for Renter’s Insurance

Require tenants with pets to have renter’s insurance that includes pet liability coverage. It’s a safety net that could save you major headaches (and legal bills) later.

A Middle Ground: Pet-Friendly but with Boundaries

You don’t have to allow every pet that walks, crawls, or slithers through your door. Try these flexible options:

• Allow pets on a case-by-case basis

• Only allow cats or small dogs

• Ban certain high-risk breeds

• Set a strict maximum number of pets

• Only allow pets in certain units or floors

You’re the boss here; make the rules work for your property.

What About Assistance Animals?

Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not pets. Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for them, even if you have a no-pets policy.

You also can’t charge pet fees or deposits for these animals. You can, however, request documentation for ESAs and set reasonable behavior expectations.

The Bottom Line: Yes to Pets, But Be Smart About It

Letting pets into your rental isn’t just a “yay” or “nay” question. It’s about setting up systems that protect your property and make tenants feel welcome. Because the truth is, when done right, pet-friendly policies can lead to:

• Lower vacancy rates

• Higher rental income

• More responsible tenants

• Longer leases

And if the idea of juggling leases, screening pets, collecting pet rent, and fielding parrot complaints gives you a headache…

We’ve Got Your Back (and Your Baseboards)

At Priority One Real Estate, we help landlords like you make smart, stress-free decisions about pets and everything else under the rental sun.

We handle tenant screening (yes, even their furry sidekicks), write custom lease agreements with pet clauses that hold up, and ensure your investment stays protected.

Whether you’re pro-pet or still on the fence, we can help you find the purr-fect balance between profits and paws.

Ready to talk strategy? Let’s fetch some peace of mind together.

Learn more at priorityonesd.com