My Pet Policy and Procedure
I see the question about about whether to allow pets all the time. I personally love having families with pets in my homes. As a pet owner myself with a kitty cat who’s more my child than my “pet” I understand and value pet ownership. That being said, we all know my stance on this being a business- so I have learned the key to ANYTHING is to have skin in the game.
*Note- as always, you need to check you local real estate laws, insurance, and homeowner’s association. Many areas have “very” specific laws and guidelines on what is and is not allowed. So you need to confirm what you can allow before you offer.
Pet Fee versus Refundable Pet Deposit
I started off only offering a Pet Deposit. I always thought it was “silly” to have to pay “more” for my child to be allowed. That being said, I was asked so often that I made “rent” part of the offering.
Pet – The Tenant shall pay to the Landlord an additional non-refundable fee in the amount of $50 per month, or one month’s refundable security deposit of _________immediately on the Landlord’s approval of a pet or pets. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if any Tenant requires the use of a trained guide animal, signal animal, or service animal, no pet deposit will be required. The landlord reserves the right to apply the Pet Deposit in the same manner the security deposit can be applied.
Tenant chooses (circle/initial)
No Pets on Premise – No Additional Fee,
$50 Non-refundable Pet Rent, per month
$_____ one month’s rent as Pet Deposit- applicable as described above
Initials ___________ __________
I also have a clause that covers what would happen if an unauthorized pet is found in the house.
If an unauthorized pet is found on the premises a fee of $500 is due immediately for having an non-authorized animal on the premise at the time of occurrence or at landlord’s discretion. Any damage will be assessed separately and billed to the tenant in addition to the $500 fine.
Initials ___________ __________
out who has been “approved” and the consequences of other animals.
PETS
To prevent any pet “visitors” to the house and prevent any misunderstanding I have a clause that clearly spells that out:
The Tenant (including any guests or invitees of the Tenant) is allowed to keep the following as pets:
* List name, age, sex, breed
* of each animal approved
***No other animals are allowed on the premise without the Landlord’s WRITTEN
permission****.
I am a huge believer about having pets. I have just found over the years that making things as clear as possible has made my life and their easier. This way there are clear expectations and consequences.
Disclaimer: As always- I am not a lawyer. The above is just an example of wording “I” use. I just have found spelling everything out with my tenants as clearly as possible makes my life at easier.
What is your “pet policy”?
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