Pets need a place to stay.

If you don't accept pets they are likely to show up anyway and in that case no deposit is paid.  Single family homes are best served by taking pets.  Nice post.

Allowing pets certainly opens up the potential tenant pool and is a chance to make some extra money on a non refundable pet deposit. But beware the vicious dog breeds! If your insurance company notices a pit bull, rottweiler, chow, or german shepphard etc at the property- you may be dropped! A good property manager can help identify those risks up front as well as set a weight limit on the size and number of pets, per the criteria specified by the home owners.

I always take pets in my rental properties unless the owner will return and allergies may be an issue.  I've actually declined management of properties that do not want pets.....many good tenant families come with pets - especially if they are homeowners.

Where in the past, fleas and damage may be a concern * NOW most pets are "on the pill" (Frontline) and most are "pampered" with main/pedis and hardwood floors are coated in such a way that pet claws do not damage them.  Pet urine can be determined using black light and remedied using fungicide solutions from janitorial supply stores such as Microban.

I get an additional $200 in the security deposit; I do NOT charge a "pet rent" and I have very strong wording in my lease that allows me to request the removal of the pet without terminating the lease.

So far, so good -

Wallace S. Gibson CPM * Over 40 years of professional property management experience to serve you.... http://VAHomes4Rent.com ....finding your new rental home in Central Virginia just got easier!!  We are currently marketing properties for the spring/summer 2009 on our website.

I never accept pets at my rentals. I've had too many properties damaged well beyond the security deposit to go there again.

We accpet pets.  The decision is truly the owners but if we do accept a pet in a property, we require a pet fee not a deposit.