"Pets in Rental Properties: Not Worth the Risk"

You'll want to avoid allowing pets in rental properties, especially dogs. Tell your tenants about your no pet policy early and often.

No, I'm not an animal hater and in fact I have 2 dogs of my own. But when it comes to managing rental properties, there are some compelling reasons why you should draw a hard line on this one.

REASON #1: DOGS CAUSE DAMAGE

You will find that at least 80% of the time, pet = dog.

Dogs require the care of responsible adults, and it's probably safe to say that your tenants are not always going to act responsibly.

Plus, let's face it, the tenant is not going to be as aggressive in disciplining the dog knowing that, heck, it's not his house!

So in many cases the dog is loosely cared for, which fosters repeated bad behavior by the dog. Peeing on the rugs, digging up the yard, chewing on parts of the house, scratching up doors or walls, whatever. At best, this will increase expenses. At worst, it could negatively impact the quality of the property.

REASON #2: INCREASED LEGAL LIABILITY

If your tenant's dog bites someone on your property, you could get sued. You are liable because you own the property. The last thing you want to do is increase your risk of getting sued.

REASON #3: HIGHER INSURANCE COST

If your insurance carrier gets wind that you allow pets, your liability insurance premium will most likely go up. Why? See reason #2 above.

REASON #4: DOGS DISTURB NEIGHBORS

Not really a huge deal since you're not living there, but common courtesy dictates providing "quiet enjoyment" for the other tenants, especially in this case since we're talking about multifamily properties.

REASON #5: IT MAKES THE PROPERTY HARDER TO SELL

Savvy real estate investors do not allow pets in rental properties, so their presence when you are trying to sell will be viewed negatively.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Again, never allow pets in rental properties. This is a huge pet peeve for me (pun intended), because a few years ago I found out that one of my tenants was raising pit bull puppies in the basement, for the purposes of dog fighting. The puppies were kept in complete darkness, and were living in their own filth. One of the puppies actually died.

The tenant snuck the dogs in behind my back. I've had others try this as well, so keep your eye out. If you find that one of your tenants does this, act swiftly by sending a letter demanding that the dog be removed within 7 days to avoid eviction. Be forceful and do not back down.

The bottom line is that allowing pets in rental properties is not worth it. Your risk, expense, aggravation, and profit will all be negatively impacted. So please, don’t do it.

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