Many landlords allow pets, as pet owners are willing to pay an
extra monthly pet fee on top of the rent. In addition, turnover is typically lower (even when rents are raised) because pet owners have fewer
options.
However, allowing pets on your property can pose risks, such as additional
property damage or issues with other tenants. If you allow pets, require your
tenants, even those without pets, to sign a “pet agreement” that has been
designed to minimize your risks.
Your pet agreement should advise the tenant that other tenants
may have pets and therefore their presence and normal, reasonable behavior
shall be tolerated. Your pet agreement should then define the type and quantity
of pets allowed, pet related rules and pet fees.
Also, check you’re your insurance agent and make sure your
landlord insurance covers liability claims associated with a tenant’s pet.
Here are typical items that you may want to cover in your pet
policy:
1.
Pets are limited to standard domestic animals suited for urban
living, such as dogs, cats, rodents, fish and birds. You should specify the exact animals you will
allow and how many of each. For example, you may only have 1 dog or cat; or a
maximum of 2 hamsters; or no more than 2 birds.
2.
You can ban dogs on
the dangerous breeds list. This list will vary so check with your insurance
company. Dangerous breeds generally include Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Doberman
Pinschers, Chows, Akitas, Alaskan Malamutes, German Shepherds, Siberian Huskies,
St. Bernard’s, Wolf Hybrids, and a mix of any of the above.
3.
You can set a weight
limit, for example, dogs must be no more than 20 pounds.
4.
All pets will have the
required shots, licenses and tags, including name tags. Check with your state
to determine the vaccines and
licenses required locally.
5.
All dogs will be on a
leash at all times outside of the apartment.
6.
Other animals, such as
birds and hamsters, will be appropriately caged.
7.
The tenant is
responsible for cleaning up any “accidents” their pet has left inside the
apartment, inside the building or outdoors.
8.
Tenants cannot take in
animals from friends or family. Make it clear you have to approve any animal
that will live in the apartment.
9.
Tenant
shall be liable for any damage or injury caused by the pet(s). Tenant agrees to
indemnify, hold harmless, and defend against liability, judgments, expense, or
claims by third parties for injury to a person or damage to property caused by
tenant’s pet(s).
10.
If any part of the pet
agreement is violated, or the pet becomes a nuisance or a hazard to others,
property management can require the pet be removed or can terminate tenancy. If
only the pet is removed, this will have no effect on the validity of the signed
lease agreement, which the tenant will still have to adhere to.
11.
State that you have
the right to make changes to the pet agreement as long as you give proper
notice, at least 30 days. This protects you in case, for example, you decide
not to allow dogs in the future.
12.
The property owner should ask for and be provided with the
names of veterinarians and substitute guardians in the event of an emergency.
By defining your pet policy in writing from the very beginning,
your tenants will understand what is expected of them as pet owners, as well as
the consequences if they do not follow the rules.
*You should consult legal counsel to determine the appropriate
wording for your pet policy.
