Tips on Renting to Pet Owners

Pet friendly rentals aren’t widely available which creates high demand. When you decide to offer your rentals to pet owners, it’s important to provide the best possible environment for both pet owners and non-pet owners alike.

It’s important to establish a pet policy and include it in your lease. This will ensure both pet owners and non-pet owners are aware of the building’s pet policy. Your policy should cover basic expectations for pet care like training, containment, and vaccinations. However, it should also include tenant obligations, liabilities, and enforcement. Include anything you’d like but remember to keep it reasonable. Examples of pet policies can be found at your local SPCA.  

Always ask new tenants if they have pets before they sign a lease. Landlords cannot evict a tenant who has lied about owning a pet prior to signing the lease. Explain the pet policy and make sure potential tenants understand the expectations and consequences.

For tenants, remain open and honest about your pet ownership. Introduce your pets to your landlord and your neighbours. This friendly gesture can open the lines of communication with your neighbours. It’s important that neighbours feel comfortable coming to you if your pet is disturbing them. 

Keep pet damage from happening by protecting your rental. For dog owners, add carpet runners over high traffic flooring to prevent scratches, wear marks, and stains. To keep cats from scratching, add a scratching post sprinkled with catnip near where they like to scratch. 

A tired pet will likely behave better alone. If you’ll be gone for several hours, consider taking the dog for a long walk before you leave. Also, providing plenty of brain teasing pet toys can help to keep them occupied when alone. 

Don’t let pet smells linger indoors. Vacuum frequently and use a pet-friendly carpet and fabric deodorizer monthly. Grooming and bathing dogs will help to reduce both shedding and unpleasant smells. If your rental has a yard, keep it in good shape by training your pet to “go” in the same place each time. 

Taking steps to protect rental from pet damage is important for both tenants and landlords. When you open your rental to pet owners, everyone should safe, protected, and welcome.