Pet Screening 101: How to Rent to Tenants with Pets

Renting to tenants with pets is a decision many landlords wrestle with. On one hand, it can open your property to a wider pool of renters and attract long-term tenants who may struggle to find pet-friendly housing. On the other, pets can bring challenges, from property damage to noise complaints. The key to balancing the risks and rewards lies in a solid pet screening process. With the right approach, you can rent to responsible pet owners while protecting your investment.

Why Allowing Pets Can Be Beneficial

Many landlords hesitate to allow pets, often opting for a strict “no-pet” policy to avoid risks. But by doing so, you may be closing the door to a significant portion of potential renters. Over 70% of renters in the U.S. have pets, and many are responsible owners who would be ideal tenants. Pet-friendly properties tend to attract long-term renters because tenants know how hard it can be to find housing for themselves and their pets. Longer leases mean reduced turnover, fewer vacancies, and less time and money spent finding new tenants.

Allowing pets also presents an opportunity to charge additional fees, such as pet deposits or monthly pet rent, to offset potential wear and tear. While the prospect of damage can be daunting, a carefully designed screening process can help mitigate these risks and ensure you’re renting to the right people — and pets.

The Importance of Pet Screening

Not all pets or owners are alike. Some pets are well-trained and quiet companions, while others may be destructive, noisy, or even pose safety concerns. A pet screening process is essential for identifying responsible owners and pets who are a good fit for your property.

By screening pets, you gain valuable insights into their behavior, training, and health. This process also protects you by documenting the pet’s approval and the tenant’s agreement to specific rules. If issues arise later, you’ll have a clear record of expectations and terms.

Creating a Clear Pet Policy

Before beginning the screening process, it’s important to establish a clear pet policy. This policy sets the foundation for what types of pets are acceptable, the terms under which they can reside at your property, and any associated fees or restrictions. For example, you might decide to only allow cats and dogs, or you may choose to include small caged animals like hamsters or birds. If size is a concern, you can establish weight limits for dogs or restrict certain breeds.

Your pet policy should also specify how many animals a tenant can have and whether you will charge a refundable pet deposit, monthly pet rent, or both.

Gathering Detailed Pet Information

Once a tenant expresses interest in renting with a pet, it’s time to gather detailed information. Learning as much as possible about the pet helps you make an informed decision. Requesting the pet’s name, breed, age, and size is a good starting point. It’s also useful to know how long the tenant has owned the pet and whether the pet has lived in a rental property before.

Ask about the pet’s training and behavior. Is it house-trained or litter box trained? Has it received obedience training? Find out if there is any history of aggression or excessive noise, such as barking. Health records are also important; ensure the pet is up to date on vaccinations and, if applicable, spayed or neutered. For additional assurance, request a reference from a previous landlord who can confirm the pet’s behavior and impact on the property.

Leveraging Pet Screening Services

If manually collecting and verifying this information sounds overwhelming, consider using a pet screening service. These services specialize in gathering pet details and providing an assessment of the pet’s suitability for rental housing. Many platforms assign a risk score based on factors like behavior, health, and owner responsibility. Pet screening services streamline the process and provide an added layer of protection by ensuring consistency and thoroughness.

Establishing a Pet Agreement

Once a pet has been approved, it’s crucial to formalize the arrangement with a pet agreement. This document is separate from the lease and outlines the specific terms related to the pet’s residency. The agreement should include the pet’s details, such as name and breed, to avoid confusion about which animals are approved. It should also specify the tenant’s responsibilities, such as cleaning up after the pet, preventing excessive noise, and covering any damages caused by the animal.

The agreement should include a liability clause holding the tenant responsible for repairs related to the pet and clearly define the penalties for violations. Both you and the tenant should sign the document, and each party should retain a copy.

Staying Involved After Move-In

Once the tenant and pet have moved in, your responsibility doesn’t end there. Conducting regular property inspections (with proper notice) ensures the tenant is adhering to the pet agreement and that the property remains in good condition. If you notice signs of pet-related damage or rule violations, address the issues promptly and professionally.

Understanding Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals

One critical distinction to remember is that service animals and emotional support animals are not classified as pets under the law. Landlords are required to accommodate these animals without additional fees or restrictions, provided the tenant provides appropriate documentation for emotional support animals. However, you can still set expectations for behavior and property care, as these animals are held to the same standards as any pet in terms of damage or disturbances.

Making Pet-Friendly Rentals Work for You

Renting to tenants with pets doesn’t have to be stressful. A comprehensive pet screening process is your best tool for minimizing risks and ensuring your property is treated with care. By establishing clear policies, gathering detailed information, and formalizing agreements, you can confidently welcome responsible pet owners while protecting your investment.

If you’re a landlord looking for help managing pet-friendly properties or a tenant searching for a home that welcomes furry companions, reach out to Rent Portland Homes Darla Andrew’s Office today. With our expertise in property management, we make renting simple and stress-free for landlords and tenants alike. You can reach us any time on our website, or call (503) 515-3170 during business hours. We look forward to chatting!