97% of pet owners say their pets are part of the family. 51% say they're just as much a member as any human.
Why is it so difficult to find pet-friendly rentals, then? Why would any landlord block a family member?
Allowing them has benefits for both sides, but it also has risks. Read on to learn everything you need to know about managing pets in a rental property in Monroe, NJ.
Assistance Animals
Even properties with no-pet policies may be legally required to allow certain types of animals. How is this possible?
Service animals perform specific tasks for the disabled. Emotional support animals help those with mental disabilities. They're collectively known as assistance animals.
The Fair Housing Act prevents discrimination against tenants with disabilities who need them. You must allow them, but the tenant is responsible for caring for them.
Creating Pet Policies and Screening
Set up clear, comprehensive pet rental policies. Include rules such as:
- Maximum number of pets per unit
- Breed and size restrictions
- Pet rent, deposit, or fees
- Areas where pets aren't allowed
- Requirements for caring for and cleaning up after pets
- Consequences for violating the pet policy.
Screen every applicant who has an animal, even if it's an assistance animal. Look for red flags in the application and from background checks. Pay attention to how the owner and their pet interact.
Addressing Pet Nuisances: Landlord and Tenant Responsibilities
Landlords must conduct regular property inspections to identify issues early. It's essential with pets in a rental property because they can cause severe damage.
Tenants also have the responsibility to care for their animals. They need to clean up after them and prevent nuisance behavior.
Landlords can evict tenants and remove animals if they're a continual danger or nuisance or disobey rules in landlord pet policies.
Setting Pet Fees, Rent, and Deposits
Allowing pets in rental properties puts them at risk of damage, but there are ways to protect yourself.
Pet rent is an addition to the tenant's rent. It covers anything from wear and tear to severe damage.
Pet fees are a one-time non-refundable charge. Tenants pay them to have pets on the property. The amount differs depending on local laws and the type of animal.
Pet deposits work like a security deposit but for severe pet-related damage. Any portion of them can be withheld to address severe issues such as:
- Flea infestations
- Broken appliances
- Urine and feces stains
- Holes in the walls
- Scratches on the floor or walls
Check the laws in your area to see whether these charges are allowed and how high they can go. Remember that assistance animals are exempt from them.
A Helping Paw for Managing Pets in a Rental Property
There are at least three most important steps before allowing pets in a rental property. First, understand the related laws. Second, create a clear pet policy. Third, screen all applicants. Fourth, set pet fees, rents, and deposits for financial protection.
PMI Turn Key NJ has been working with real estate since 2013. We've learned how to handle all the hardest property management decisions, from whether or not to allow pets to where to invest.
We use that knowledge to protect your investment and maximize its profitability. Contact us today to see how we can help you make property management manageable.
