I know, any property manager with more than a few years experience should hate pets. But, then there is the real world. My wife loves her Golden Retriever and so I tolerate it and even show some affection at various times. I even read the Dog Whisperer. I am the leader of my pack.
Our property managment company suggests that our clients allow no more than one pet per household in a single family home rental and I think that is a good rule. We have the tenant sign a pet agreeement and pay an extra security deposit. It normally works out just fine and the tenant gets their deposit back upon vacating the rental. Since around 63% of the population has at least one pet, it makes sense to do this from the landlords point of view. Limiting your market will increase vacancy and lower your rent.
Think about it, if my vacancy goes one more month due to not allowing a pet, I just guaranteed that my cost of ownership has gone up say $1500.00. Allow the pet and maybe my costs will be much less.
We draw the line at one pet, but many people ask us to accept 2 or 3 dogs or cats and dogs. All I can see is a lot of poop and a smelly carpet.
Sorry, one pet will have to do for now.
www.HomePointe.com
Robert A. Machado, CPM, MPM
HomePointe Property Management
Sacramento, Yolo, El Dorado, and Place Counties
We manage residential and commercial property.
916-429-1205 x 105
rmachado@HomePointe.com
Our grandparents would be absolutely appalled to see the number of in-house pets around now. I was taught that pets belong outside but I'm old and it's hard to teach an old dog new tricks. Interesting blog.
I got 2 English Springer Spaniels when my sweet dog, Cuervo, died last May...I never thought of getting 2; however, I found litter of 4 - 2 boys/2 girls at Virginia Beach and took a brother/sister pair.
They are EASIER to handle and much more easy to train....I'm taking a 40lb ESS and Lab/mix in a property available in July. I want the houses I have that have fences to go to tenants with dogs/pets and since many families have animals of long standing, those I will take.
I discourage applicants thinking they can GET NEW dogs just because I allow pets....I want the pet(s) to come with the family!!!
Great post!!!
Barbara: I too came from that old school where pets stayed outside. I am converted though, an inside pet is much more a part of the family, more loved, and better trained.
Wallace: I have to agree, two pets together seem to entertain each other, exercise more, and seem better adjusted. But can we trust tenants with them is a big question. I am not there yet.
I understand your reasoning in regard to vacancy rates, and can empathize with the tenant. Where we have to draw the line is with the owners who will forgo the pet lover for the purpose of keeping their investment free of irremovable pet odors. Our second company which does carpet cleaning and painting has maintained the stance that even when carpet is replaced, those instinctive pet spraying will remain indefinitely!
btw - That is so BIG of you to tolerate an animal in the house yourself... my husband will not even allow a 'lil ole tweety bird!
My wife loves her dog and she lets me play basketball and golf. We all have our vices.