Along with the concern for the welfare of those who are losing their homes is the welfare of pets. This is nationwide from what I understand. Due to the situations many pets are abandoned , taken to shelters and euthanized.

 The implications of the bubble burst are far outreaching. Many landlords do not allow pets. As a former property manager, pet owner myself, I can tell you that most pet owners are responsible.

For those landlords who have chosen not to allow pets, I would ask that you reconsider. One way you can protect yourself is to have a clause in the rental lease agreement to allow you and/or a representative come in and check the premises for water leakage and you can observe then if there are any issues.

The most damage to homes is caused by leaky water. Most tenants either ignore and/or do not realize there is a leak.

Take the opportunity , do preventative maintenance and check the surroundings for any damage. You can not look at any tenants personal items but you can observe the conditions of the home as you walk thru to check under the sinks, look at the toilets and  look at the water heater etc.  By the way check the gutters and see if the water is flowing back towards the home. A couple hundred now vs thousands later is a big incentive to do these checks.

The most damage I observed to units were those that did not have pets. To protect yourself further just add a pet deposit. You can do a walk thru prior to occupancy and take pictures and notate with the tenant any flaws or damage seen and compare again as they leave.

 It is stressful enough to lose your home and to lose your pets in the process can be very devastating.

Did you know that a great percentage of pet owners would gladly replace and/or have your carpets professionally cleaned? when they vacate? That is how important their pets are to them.

Pets are children to most pet owners. I know how I feel about mine. I remember when I first moved to California.

I was told I would never find a place for two dogs, two cats. Well I did, not once but twice and I gladly paid increased deposit and took extremely good care of those rentals.  I certainly did not bring them cross country to dump them.

What I do when a landlord will allow pets for property that I am leasing is request a pet resume to show shots and responsibility in care for the animal(s). The tenants must sign and agree not to allow breeding on the premises. Obviously no fighting dogs or dogs considered dangerous. If they can show a good canine citizen certificate that shows me they are responsible then I may reconsider on certain breeds.

As a nation we are going through some major changes all around. This is the time to allow the humanitarian process to erupt forth.  No one is exempt from loss of home or job.

There is a lot of fear in the air. We can change that fear to hope for many. Please be aware of what is going on in your specific community and see if there is anything you can do to help out.

Just another thought and request as we take each day through the market adjustment period.