Top 5 Reasons for Pet-Friendly Properties

As a landlord, you might view pets as just another way for something to go wrong and cost you money. You believe that property management will be easier if you don't allow pets, but, in our experience, the opposite is true. Pet-friendly leasing will actually make you more money. Allowing pets positions you for greater success and gives you more control of what is going on at your properties.

1. Accepting Pets Expands Pool of Renters

It's no secret that pet ownership is at an all-time high in the United States. In Texas alone, surveys conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association show that 58% of households have pets. Dogs are the most popular animal with 43% of households including dogs. About 20% of households have a cat.

Widespread pet ownership translates into more potential renters. By welcoming more people, you will improve occupancy rates and position yourself to raise rents due to higher demand.

2. Your Relationship with Renters Based on Honesty

Landlords who prohibit pets inevitably have people sneaking in their pets. They either lie when they lease the unit or get a pet later without telling you. Either way, you're out of the loop, which makes property management in Dallas more challenging and contentious.

As a pet-friendly landlord, potential tenants know that they can be honest with you. If your pet rules work for them, they can rent without worrying about starting a dispute or even suffering eviction.

3. You Might Get a Great, Long-term Tenant

People value their pets and won't be quick to move if they are in a rental that accepts their beloved dog, cat, or other pet, like a rabbit.

Building trust should be part of the foundation or your renter and landlord relationship. When a landlord doesn’t allow pets and a renter wants one, there is always a bit of tension between the parties.

This tension can eventually lead to a head when an issue between landlord and renter arises, and in the end, not having a pet could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back and causes a great renter to leave.

4. You Can Charge a Monthly Pet Fee

Reasonable people understand that their pets pose an added element of risk for property owners. As a result, pet fees are considered normal and could boost a unit's monthly revenue by $50 to $100, depending on your policy. This insures against any future damage or cleaning costs. When a pet causes no harm, which is possible, you simply earn more from the rental unit.

5. Pet Owners Have Higher Incomes

You run credit checks because you want tenants who can pay their rent. Pet owners often have good financial profiles because disposable income is needed to afford a pet in the first place. A survey of 1,000 pet owners showed that dog owners had incomes between $75,000 and $99,999 on average. Income for cat owners was a little more modest with an average of $50,000 to $74,999 annually.

Downsides of Renting to Pet Owners

Of course, pets can be problematic. Not everyone is going to have a well-behaved pooch or kitten. You'll be balancing the potential profits of pet-friendly leases against negatives, like:

• Scratched floors and doors
• Cat urine odor in carpets
• Pet stains on carpets
• Complaints from neighbors about barking
• Potential liability for animal attacks

Fortunately, with a team like Classic Property Management on your side, you have access to reliable vendors when damages arise, legal advisors if attacks occur, and property managers that can quickly quell down any complaints between your renter and any unhappy neighbors.

Protect your Interests with Pet-Friendly Rentals

At Classic Property Management, we encourage property owners to go pet-friendly with their rentals. Pets just make renters happier and can lead to a lasting relationship that is fruitful for both them and you.



Our property managers never let you go into any situation blind. We can help you craft a pet policy for your leases that clearly spells out the rules and responsibilities. 

Please contact us today for expert advice and service regarding property management in Dallas.