We’ve talked a lot about apartment pets policies and whether it’s a good idea to allow pets on your property in the first place. What many property owners and managers tend to ask, however, is whether pets are a good idea when it comes to student-specific housing.
The answer is: it depends. In Texas, property owners can create their own rules regarding pets and include these rules in a lease agreement. Like everything else in business, you make all considerations to determine the best decision for your property.
One note: service animals are not considered pets, and you’re legally obligated to allow them in your Texas rental property.
Set Expectations for Apartment Pets as Tenants
If you decide it’s reasonable to allow tenants to have apartment pets, it’s best to view them as actual tenants. Treat them in the same manner you would any other renter. This includes:
- Lease Language. The lease is your contract and the lifeline of the property. It ensures protection for both you and the tenant. And, just as you would use a lease to identify the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, it should also be used to define the obligations and expectations of the apartment pets and their owners. At a minimum, this should include cleaning up after the pet when outside, responsibility for damages done by the pet, and noise-related restrictions. It should also clearly define any breed or weight restrictions, where applicable.
- Pet Deposit. Similar to the standard deposit due at move-in, a pet should also require a deposit. This money is the insurance a property manager needs to hedge against the risk of damage or default. This way, the funds are there to cover repairs that result from pet-related issues. Whether the deposit is fully refundable or non-refundable should be clearly identified and defined in the lease.
- Pet Rent. The widespread practice of requiring separate rent for pets is fairly new. Yet, it’s catching on and many properties are now asking pet owners to pay additional monthly rent, often in the range of $10 to $25. The idea, again, is simply to treat the pet as an additional tenant.
Class A Management helps develop and evaluate pet policies
Pets can be a slippery slope of challenges for property owners. That’s why you need a knowledgeable property manager in your corner. The professionals at Class A Management have more than 40 years of experience in the industry and know what it takes to ensure satisfaction—for 2-legged and 4-legged tenants alike.
Call us today at 817-295-5959 or send us an email to info@classamanagement.com.