Developing Detailed Pet Policies for your Rental Property

Establishing a pet policy is one of many issues you have to address as a rental property owner. When contemplating whether to allow pets in your rental property, remember a clearly defined set of rules is the best way to avoid future problems.

If you do decide to allow pets, I recommend including one or all of the following restrictions in your written policy:

• Pets must be spayed or neutered.
• Tenants must receive permission from the landlord if they want to bring in an aquarium for fish.
• Pet owners must immediately clean up after their pets.
• Pets are restricted from the common areas of the rental property (such as front yard, laundry facilities, swimming pool or running track).
• The number of pets per apartment is restricted.
• Size (or weight) of pets allowed in the apartment is restricted.
• Certain breeds of dogs are not allowed.
• Cats must be declawed.
• Tenant must provide proof of all appropriate vaccinations before pets are allowed into the building.
• Collars and leashes must be worn on the rental property.
• Pets must be registered with the local authorities or city.
• One litter box per cat is required.
• Tenants must provide liability insurance to indemnify the landlord in case of injury or damages.
• Cats and dogs are the only pets allowed (or, with the permission of the landlord, fish) because vicious, venomous, exotic and poisonous pets (such as large snakes) could be dangerous to other tenants.

Of course, any of these restrictions might prevent some pet owners from moving into your unit.

However, my experience has been that a few well-written rules will enable your pet-owning tenants to enjoy their pets while ensuring your property remains in good condition for other tenants.