Property Management Companies Charleston, SC Offer Tips About Pets

One of the biggest concerns for homeowners considering renting out their property is the potential damage pets may cause. However, with the right property manager, you can effectively handle pets, mitigate risks, and enjoy the benefits of renting your property. 

Today we offer tips about why you should allow pets in your home as a rental and how a property manager handles pets, including the screening process, pet deposits, and pet rent. By implementing a well-crafted pet policy, you can protect your property while generating steady income by maximizing "how much can I rent my house for."

Screening Tenants with Pets

One of the key responsibilities of a property manager is to thoroughly screen tenants, ensuring that they are reliable and responsible. When it comes to tenants with pets, the screening process becomes even more crucial. 

The best property management companies Charleston, SC, offer employ various methods to assess potential tenants with pets. A thorough screening includes: 

• Referrals: Asking for referrals from previous landlords or trusted sources can provide valuable insights into a tenant's history with pets. Referrals can shed light on the tenant's level of responsibility, their pet's behavior, and any issues that may have arisen in the past.

• Vet History: Requesting vet records and references is another important step in screening tenants with pets. Responsible pet owners will have a positive relationship with their veterinarians and will have taken proper care of their pets in the past. Vet records can provide information about vaccinations, regular check-ups, and any specific medical conditions.

• Previous Landlord Insight: Contacting previous landlords allows property managers to gather information on a tenant's behavior and compliance with pet-related policies. This step is particularly helpful in identifying any instances of pet damage or disturbances caused by the tenant's pets.

• Meet and Greet: A face-to-face meeting with the tenant and their pets can provide additional insights into the pet's behavior and temperament. This allows property managers to assess the compatibility of the pet with the property and neighboring tenants.

Excellent property management experts won't allow a destructive or aggressive pet into your home!

Why Should You Allow Pets? 

Should you avoid the hassle or potential of a bad pet by excluding all animals from your rental home? While you can go that route, most property managers recommend allowing pets (along with the screening process we've mentioned) to maximize your revenue from the property. 

Allowing pets in your home as a rental property has many benefits, including expanding your potential tenant pool and attracting responsible pet owners. By catering to pet owners, you open up opportunities to rent your property to a diverse range of tenants. 

Pet owners are often responsible individuals who prioritize their pet's well-being and are more likely to stay long-term. In most cases, owners can charge higher rental rates for properties that accommodate pets, increasing revenue long-term. 

How to Handle Pet Deposits and Pet Rent

Even with a thorough screening process and all precautions in place, sometimes good pets still do bad things. Therefore, property managers recommend various strategies to protect your property from potential pet-related damage. 

Two common methods used are pet deposits and pet rent (or pet fees).

Pet Deposits

A pet deposit is a one-time payment collected from tenants with pets. This deposit serves as insurance against potential pet-related damage to the property. If any damage occurs, the cost of repairs can be deducted from the deposit. This incentivizes tenants to be more responsible and ensures that any necessary repairs are covered.

Pet Rent (or Higher Rental Rates)

In addition to the monthly rent, property managers may charge additional pet rent or increase the monthly rent amount to accommodate a pet fee. This fee helps offset the potential risks and costs associated with allowing pets on the property. 

Pet rent is typically a fixed monthly amount paid by the tenant, contributing to the property owner's income.

Property Managers Create and Enforce a Pet Policy 

Establishing a comprehensive pet policy is essential to protect your property and maintain a harmonious living environment for all tenants. 

Here are some key components to consider when creating a pet policy with your property management company:

• Pet Size and Breed Restrictions: Specify size and breed restrictions, if any, to ensure the property can accommodate the pet comfortably and safely.

• Vaccination and Licensing Requirements: Require tenants to provide proof of vaccinations and licenses for their pets to ensure they meet the necessary health and safety standards.

• Leash and Waste Disposal: Enforce rules regarding leash usage and proper waste disposal to maintain a clean and safe environment.

• Property Inspections: Conduct regular property inspections to identify any potential pet damage and address it promptly. This helps prevent any issues from escalating and ensures the property remains in good condition.

• Noise and Disturbance Policies: Include guidelines to minimize noise and disturbances caused by pets, such as excessive barking or aggressive behavior. This ensures a peaceful living environment for all tenants.

• Tenant Responsibilities: Clearly outline the responsibilities of pet owners, including the requirement to clean up after their pets, prevent damage to the property, and address any behavioral issues promptly. This encourages responsible pet ownership and reduces the risk of property damage.

• Consequences for Non-Compliance: Specify the consequences for tenants who fail to comply with the pet policy, such as fines or termination of the lease agreement. This ensures accountability and reinforces the importance of adhering to the rules.

Remember to be clear about your pet criteria and requirements during the application and screening process to avoid discrimination claims. As part of their services and property management fees, your management team will screen all pets (and tenants) fairly to find the right residents for your home. 

Allowing Pets Maximizes "How Much Can I Rent My House For"

Renting out your home can be a lucrative endeavor, even when considering the concerns associated with allowing pets. By partnering with a reliable property management company like Charleston Property Company, you can navigate the challenges of renting to tenants with pets while protecting your property and maximizing your rental income. 

If you're considering turning your home into a rental property, reach out to Charleston Property Company to learn more about our professional property management services! We'll walk you through how easy it is to turn a home you leave behind into a rental property and generate long-term passive revenue. 

Learn more about the benefits of owning a rental property with our free resource, "The Benefits of Renting Out Your Home vs. Selling."