Renting when you have pets can be complicated. What are landlords looking for from furry tenants? What can clients do to make the case that their pet won’t be a problem? What is your clinic’s role in establishing the reputation of the pet? These tips will help you work with clients who need help getting into a new home.

Why Should a Landlord Rent to a Pet Owner?

A little over half of renters allow pets. While that limits the places a pet owner can rent from, finding a new home or apartment isn’t as difficult as people are led to believe.

There are several benefits to renting to pet owners. Since rental spaces that allow pets are limited, renter retention is higher. Pet owners are also expected to pay more, both for the deposit and the rental payment. If the landlord finds a good tenant, they can earn more.

However, that added income comes increased risk. In a national survey, two out of three landlords said they had property damaged by a dog. This damage typically is from scratched floors and walls or destroyed landscaping. Infestations from fleas and other pests carried by animals can also be an issue. Even if the animal is well-behaved and clean, cleaning and fixing the unit after the tenant leaves can be a huge ordeal.

When it comes to getting a home that will accept pets, it’s a matter of convincing the renter that they’ll come out ahead.


The Added Cost of Pets

Typically, the landlord will ask for a pet deposit between 40 and 80% of the monthly rent payment. Some landlords may also add a cleaning fee between $75-$125 per animal, and a pet fee, ranging from $200 to $500. These fees cover the repairs and extra cleaning required to remove any sign of the pet after the renter leaves. Unlike the deposit, there’s no way to get this money back. However, local laws may limit or ban these fees. For example, here in Wisconsin, landlords aren’t allowed to charge a non-refundable pet deposit.

Renters may require the tenant to carry renter’s insurance. This pays for any damage to the apartment, including anything by the pet.


Getting the Renter on the Tenant’s Side

Clients may be able to persuade a landlord to allow a pet or reduce added fees. The best way to do this is by building a pet resume. This includes documents that establish the pet’s reputation:

- A letter of recommendation from the current landlord or rental association stating the tenant a responsible pet owner

- Certificates for any training classes the pet has completed

You may want to suggest classes, if the client is just starting their home search.

- Medical information and a letter of recommendation from your office can also be helpful.

Generally, renters will be most concerned about having animals that are up-to-date on vaccinations and are spayed or neutered. However, there is no requirement for medical information to be shared with outside parties. It’s up to your practice and your client to decide what to include in the resume.


We Can Help You Stay a Part of Your Patients’ Lives

For over a decade, Positive Impressions, LLC has helped veterinary offices and hospitals stay connected with their clients. We carry a wide range of promotional products to help keep your practice on the minds of customers, including appointment reminders cards, birthday cards, magnetic business cards, prescription labels and more. We also offer custom printing for most of the items in our catalog, so you can add your contact information or create a unique design that fits your practice. To see how we can help you stay in touch with your clientele, visit our webpage or see our specials on our Facebook page.