PETS For Your Rental Properties

Written by: Eric Davis

Seattle, known for the iconic Starbucks and Amazon stores as well as the charming Puget Sound and the Cascade Mountains, has grown more prominent. The Covid pandemic overturned all aspects of life throughout the year — however, the Seattle-region real estate market remained solid. Huge consumer demand and price continue to rise, making the market competitive throughout this pandemic. People hoping to get a good deal on apartments should act soon. After crumbling for months in 2020 during the economic plunge of COVID-19, rental markets may begin to improve more due to the optimism of a post-Covid future, especially now that there has been an increase in vaccine distribution.

As more companies accommodate and adjust to an increase in work-from-home workers, employees will be seeking more space in their houses to have room for a home office. These new renters will now be looking for new features in their future homes. These rentals will include more area and are set up to accommodate a friendlier and comfortable work-from-home setup. Work-from-home arrangements are now very common and are expected to increase in popularity. Particularly for those who believe they will not be returning to their workplace anytime soon — or will not be going back as frequently as they used to.

Another criterion for renters from Seattle is to find a rental that offers a balance between being pet-friendly and still provides good facilities that offer all the new creature comforts that can enhance the renter’s general living experience.

Video showing Seattle as the most pet-friendly city.

According to research ^[1], Seattle is currently rated as the 2^nd most pet-friendly rental business sector in the US. This is based on various factors that include having the greatest number of pet-accommodating property owners, affordable pet charges, and a large group of pet shops and services. The unavailability to be home to watch and tend to their pets is the main reason why people choose not to get them. But since people can now work comfortably from home, they may be more ready for pet ownership.

Almost anyone who had a pet would agree that it is one of the greatest joys in life, whether it is a service pet or a loved companion. However, many property owners and landlords still forbid it due to the possible extra expenses such as pet damage. The increasing number of renters who have pets is a new market that needs to be exploited. Pet-friendly property management has its pros and cons but outlining a clear and concise guideline will not only benefit you but your future tenants as well.

There are many things to consider in allowing pets to your rental property. Below are the top three:

1. Pet Rental Agreement

To guarantee a smooth system for you and future tenants, you need to set up clear guidelines and rules that pet owners can follow. The policy should be incorporated in the leasing agreement at the moment of signing the lease. You can also request documentation such as vet records, proof of renters insurance along with pet coverage, and references can also be requested. The agreement should cover:

• Kinds and sizes of pets permitted
• Regulations to be followed by the pet-owners
• Charges and fees required

A written arrangement that outlines specific rules.

 2. Pet Rent and Pet Deposit 

 As per the City of Seattle ^[2], there are laws and specifications to follow, and there are others that may be excluded from those guidelines. Pet harm or damage under Seattle’s tenant-landlord laws can be close to one-fourth of the monthly lease. The tenant can choose to pay in installments. Regardless of whether your occupant has one or four pets, you can’t demand more than one deposit per home. Consider how many pets you want in your rental before allowing it.

Remember, a tenant with a service animal cannot be rejected even if the rental property does have a no-pet policy. You also need to consider that there would be no charges, fees, or deposits for these kinds of pets. Unless you want to be subject to complaints as per the Tenants Union of Washington State, in any case, renters with this kind of companionship will still need to adhere to pet-related policies and guidelines.

3. Prepare the Property

If your future renter has pets, you should recommend that they check around at gardens and fencing to ensure the yard is pet-friendly. Raising deposits and written guidelines about gardens and lawn item repairs might need to be considered in the lease agreement. Any changes made to the yard would have to be done only with your permission. Any lawns or gardens that may be delicate may need to be fenced off. You and your renters should check out the unit to know if there is anything to do to lessen future damages. One solution to protect the paint is by using plastic edges on doorways. It can be installed easily and can help save fixes and deposits. Cheaper carpets and rugs can be used to replace the pricey ones but can still protect the floors. A Property Condition Checklist form^[3] should be filled out by your tenant properly before getting deposits to ensure a proper charge repair. Make sure to get before and after photos of the property. You need to ensure that your property is as yet fit with or without pets.

An environment that is both good for you and your tenants’ pets.

Nine out of ten leaseholders think pet policies have a larger role in selecting where to live. Davis Property Management believes creating pet-friendly properties is a positive way to expand potential renters and increase tenant renewals. However, the best strategy in having pet-friendly rentals is to meet and make your unique guidelines based on the type of property you own and of course, based on your own comfort level. Call us today at 425-658-7471 or email info@davispropertymanagement.com to schedule a consultation with us.

References

^[1] https://www.trulia.com/research/pet-rental-markets/

^[2] https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/codes/common-code-questions/pets

^[3] https://communityrentals.ucsc.edu/pdf/rental-condition-checklist.pdf