The Great Pet Debate: To Allow Pets In Your Apartment or Not (2024)

HomeTeam Property Management

When you become a landlord, it is up to you to decide what you will and will not allow in your apartments. While many people have an idea of rules that they want in place, others don’t really know where to start. You should really take your time at this stage of planning to ensure that you are happy with your choices.

The Great Pet Debate: To Allow Pets In Your Apartment or Not (1)

One of the most common things that people wonder about is whether they can bring their pets along. While this decision can be personal, many people don’t really have an opinion. There are many reasons why you should, as well as reasons not to allow them in your buildings.

Here are some reasons why you should allow pets in your apartment complex.

  • More tenants. There are many people who already have a pet which, if you don’t accept pets, you are turning away. Firepaw.org says that around fifty percent of renters have a pet. Think about all of the people that you are missing when you won’t give them a chance.
  • Responsible. Responsible pet owners make responsible tenants. While they are not all like this, most of them take care of their apartments better than those who do not have pets.
  • Happier people. People who live with pets are much happier. Pets help to reduce stress and it can also make an apartment feel more like home.
  • Stay longer. Since it can be harder to find a place to rent when you own pets, pet owners are more likely to stay in a place that they like for a longer period of time.
  • Make more money. People will pay more money for an apartment where they can take their pets. You can charge more because of the potential of damage, though people also pay more because they want their pet by their side.
  • Less Sneaking Around. Even though you forbid pets, people are always going to try to sneak some in. If you don’t want to have to worry about this problem, just allow people to bring their pets.

Here are some reasons why you should not allow pets in your apartment complex.

  • Damage your apartment. Allowing pets can really damage your apartment. They can be hard on floors. Accidents happen but they can ruin your carpet. If your renters get young animals, there is a chance that they will chew something that they shouldn’t. This includes carpet, floors, doors, and much more.
  • Angry renters. Some renters are unhappy with pets around them. Dogs often bark, even late at night, disturbing their sleep which is annoying when it is not your own pet. If your renters don’t pick up after their dogs, other renters may step in poop which can be really upsetting. This may lead to angry renters, some who may decide to move out.
  • Allergies. Some renters are allergic to dogs and cats which means that they are only looking for apartments without pets. By allowing pets, you are missing some potential renters.
  • Liability. Renting to people with animals can be a liability. Dogs and cats bite and you can end up in a lawsuit because of it. This could really end up costing you a lot of money.

Deciding whether or not you allow pets in your apartment is personal. There are two sides to it, though. If you don’t allow pets, you are going to miss out on these people, though you may also miss out on those who have allergies and just don’t want to be bothered by pets in their building.

Many like allowing pets because they can charge more for each apartment. However, the reason behind that is to protect your apartment against any damage. You may also be able to charge more for a security deposit, which you may keep if you have to get new carpets, paint, and replace anything broken.

Take your time and make the right decision for you and your business and you can’t go wrong!

Stay in the know with the latest news form the leaders in property management

Subscribe Here!

Popular Posts

What Counts as a Rental Home Maintenance... |

HomeTeam Property Management

Tenants are often shy about calling for repairs from their landlords...

READ FULL POST

The Great Pet Debate: To Allow Pets In Your... |

HomeTeam Property Management

When you become a landlord, it is up to you to decide what you will...

READ FULL POST

How to Repair Oil Spots in Asphalt |

HomeTeam Property Management

Laying asphalt for an apartment parking lot must be done in stages....

READ FULL POST

SIMILAR POSTS

Tips to Be a Responsible Pet Owner in an Apartment |

HomeTeam Property Management

When you live in an apartment, you are probably living in close contact with your neighbors. Though...

READ FULL POST

How Many Pets Should Be Permitted Inside Your Property? |

HomeTeam Property Management

It's estimated that 67% of all families in the U.S. own at least one pet. Since so many people are...

READ FULL POST

Tips for Choosing the Right Pet for your Apartment |

HomeTeam Property Management

Pet lovers have one thing in common. Even if they live in a tiny studio apartment, they need a pet...

READ FULL POST

Should Landlords Allow Pets in Rental Properties? |

HomeTeam Property Management

Many often find themselves contemplating whether or not to allow furry companions in their rental...

READ FULL POST
The Great Pet Debate: To Allow Pets In Your Apartment or Not (2024)

FAQs

Why should pets be allowed in apartments? ›

Pets help to reduce stress and it can also make an apartment feel more like home. Stay longer. Since it can be harder to find a place to rent when you own pets, pet owners are more likely to stay in a place that they like for a longer period of time.

Are pets helpful or harmful debate points? ›

They should be kept only out of love and care because once we start thinking of ourselves we become cruel to the pets. Therefore if we keep pets out of love and passion both we and the pets are at gain. People who have never had pets have never been loved unconditionally. They are missing out on something big in life.

What are the pros and cons of renters with pets? ›

5 Pros of Allowing Pets in Your Rental Property
  • Pro #1: Higher Rent. Allowing pets into your rental property may help you net higher rent. ...
  • Pro #2: Longer Tenancies. ...
  • Pro #3: More Responsible. ...
  • Pro #4: Bigger Tenant Pool. ...
  • Pro #5: Timely Rent Payments. ...
  • Con #1: Property Damage. ...
  • Con #2: Noise. ...
  • Con #3: Vacancy.

Why do landlords not like pets? ›

Krista Gulbransen, executive director of the Berkeley Property Owners Association, said her opposition comes down to risk: Pets have the potential to damage property, she said, and limiting owners' discretion to take on that added risk while stripping them of the pet deposit safeguard puts them in a terrible position.

Should dogs live in apartments? ›

Consider your pet's personality

Large dogs with mellow personalities may do better living in an apartment than small, high-energy dogs such as toy poodles and terriers that bark a lot. Adopting a senior dog who requires less exercise is another good option for apartment dwellers.

Why are some dogs not good in apartments? ›

Energy level

All dogs need exercise and attention, but some breeds are extremely hyper and active with excessive levels of energy. These breeds will be very active and could run through the apartment causing damage to the property or causing too much noise for the neighboring tenants.

Should kids be allowed to have pets? ›

Most experts believe that children over 5 years old can begin to take on developmentally appropriate responsibilities with regard to the care of a pet, with parental supervision. Children under the age of 10 should not be expected to take care of a pet complete on their own.

How do pets affect your life? ›

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills.

Are pet owners better renters? ›

Pet owners usually rent units for extended periods of time because it's not easy to move around with pets and many landlords don't allow pets. Thus, if tenants with pets find themselves in a good situation, they are less likely to leave. This leads to lower turnover in your rental, which helps you avoid vacancies.

What damage can dogs do to a house? ›

A bored dog locked up and all by their lonesome can do a lot of damage to your walls, cabinets, or even find time to tear up the linoleum if their owner isn't around to stop them. If there is little space for them to run around they can be especially dangerous, as they have energy to burn and nowhere to do so.

What is an example of a pet policy? ›

A pet will not be permitted to disturb the health, safety, rights, comfort or peaceful and quiet enjoyment of other tenants. Pets except service animals will not be permitted to enter eating or gathering areas, except where properly restrained and where such is not offensive to the other tenants of the project.

Are cats or dogs better for apartments? ›

Cats are generally more independent and can entertain themselves for longer periods, which may be beneficial for city dwellers with busy schedules. They are well-suited to smaller living spaces like apartments and don't require as much room to move around.

What do landlords fear? ›

Financial concerns: New landlords may worry about the financial aspects of property ownership. Create a comprehensive budget, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs. Set realistic rental rates that cover expenses and allow for profit.

How do you say pets are not allowed in a nice way? ›

Private Conversation: If possible, find a moment for a private conversation away from the crowd. Politely express your concern, reiterating the no-pet policy for the event. Say something like, “I'm so glad you could make it! However, I wanted to remind you that this event doesn't allow pets.

Can landlords refuse pets in California? ›

But landlords would have to provide reasonable justifications, such as public health, for denying a pet. A landlord could not inquire of pets until after approving an applicant, and applicants would have to notify the landlord that they have a pet or plan to get one at least three days prior to signing a lease.

Why cats are good for apartments? ›

We want you to have a furry companion to keep you and your family company in your living space. Cats are great for apartment life because they are small, do not require outside bathroom breaks, and sleep about 15 hours a day, so they don't usually cause a disturbance to neighbors.

What is the new pet law in California? ›

Property owners could no longer ban pets, charge monthly pet fees or pet safety deposits.

What is the maximum pet rent in California? ›

What is the law in California regarding pet deposits? In terms of pet deposit, California law stipulates that refundable pet deposits can be charged. However, the total deposit amount, including the pet deposit, can't exceed two months of rent in total.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 6190

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.