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Dogs, dogs, dogs.

Reblogger Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Property Manager with Gibson Management Group, Ltd.

I'm not sure why anyone would not screen a pet just like they screen their residents.  I've frequently met pets when their owners are viewing the property and I would not take a pet rent (too much trouble if the pet vacates "early") and some NONrefundable deposits are unlawful - if the pet is a part of the family * I'll take an additional $200 in the security deposit.

Original content by Todd and Danielle Millar

Do you rent to them? Not dogs directly but the people that own them? I'm starting to have reservations. Of course finding a niche and making it your own can help increase your rents or fees you charge thus increasing income. However, is the pet fee you take or the slightly increased rent you charge worth the post Rover clean up?

 

 

 

How about this:

 

"This flooring is damaged beyond repair by a large dog. Pets such as dogs and cats can cause significant damage to a house, such as scratching, clawing, spraying, defecation and urination. Pets can generate allergens in persons sensitive to pet dander, fur, etc. Carpeted floors may need removal; hardwood floors may be permanently stained or damaged requiring repair, refinishing or replacement. Masonry floor surfaces may require chemical cleaning, neutralizing odors, and the application of a sealer to control odors. Pets can cause flea infestation in carpets and furniture and house requiring fumigation." Ace Home Inspection Inc.

 

Is that about $250 in the non-refundable pet fee or $50 more per month in rent? Try a few thousand dollars. I had to Ozone a townhouse to remove the smell of cat urine it cost about $1800.

 

I live by an off leash dog area and hear all the time - "My dog is friendly he won't bite anyone!" Only to have to grab my toddler out of the way as the dog jumps repeatedly on his back. I also got bit by a "friendly dog". My point if your tenant's dog is as quiet, old perfect as the tenants say then great! If not be prepared for some big bills or lots of diligence on your part to limit the damage.

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Wallace S. Gibson is a Certified Property Manager with over 50 years of property management experience and expertise.  She maintains a specialized property management business in Central Virginia serving Albemarle, Greene, Fluvanna and Louisa counties  

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Comments(6)

Jeff Jensen
The Federal Savings Bank/Lending in 50 states - Greenwich, CT

It is impossilbe to fully rely on the potential tenant's assessment of their own pet.

May 08, 2012 07:34 AM
Wallace S. Gibson, CPM
Gibson Management Group, Ltd. - Charlottesville, VA
LandlordWhisperer

My dogs are perfect!  They know they are not "outside" dogs and they have never allowed me to tell anyone that they are!

May 08, 2012 07:39 AM
Michelle Francis
Tim Francis Realty LLC - Atlanta, GA
Realtor, Buckhead Atlanta Homes for Sale & Lease

Wallace, 

It's a challenge, however, we've found folks with high credit scores have tended to have well behaved pets or good pet responsiblity.  (Probably not a surprise, although I don't have scientific data, just 10 years of PM experience on this one.)

All the best, Michelle

May 08, 2012 10:19 AM
Sussie Sutton
David Tracy Real Estate - Houston, TX
David Tracy Real Estate for Buyers & Sellers

I love animals but they are really hard on our homes. I had my daughter find a new home for her cats. Now all she has to do is to repair the sheet rock where her cats clawed into it.

May 08, 2012 10:39 AM
Mark Delgado
houses for rent, Solano County & Glen Cove - Benicia, CA
Benicia and Vallejo, Property Management, rental h

We have similar experience as described by Michelle.  We also charged a deposit but we are careful to describe it as an increased security deposit, not a pet deposit.  This allows use of the full security deposit for any damages and not just use of the pet deposit for pet damages.  Yes, California laws.

May 08, 2012 02:13 PM
Conrad Allen
Re/Max Professional Associates - Webster, MA
Webster, Ma, Realtor

Hi Wallace.  I am a pet lover.  I really lean on the credit report and meeting the pet before making a decision.  My insurance agent gives a list of dogs prohibited by my insurance company yearly.

May 08, 2012 08:30 PM