Should Pets Be Allowed in Rental Properties?

Allowing pets on a rental property is one of the most important decisions an owner has to make. A pet policy should be put in place before finding a tenant, to avoid problems in the future. When you are advertising the property, the policy should clearly state if pets are allowed, including the quantity, weight, types of pets permitted and any pet deposit required. The more details included in the document, the better it is for people to follow those regulations. 

Consider the demand for pet-friendly rental properties that are in demand. However, the decision is not easy to make, there are general advantages and disadvantages of opening up your house to pets. In the Bahamas, many Landlords do not allow pets. 

Advantages

• Larger prospective tenant pool: landlords have the opportunity to expand the number of people interested in renting out their property. It is an even bigger advantage if your rental is marketed towards a younger demographic because they are reported to be the group of people that own the most amount of pets.   
• Longer rental contract: it can be harder for pet owners to find alternative accommodation. Once they have settled in with their pet, it will start feeling like a home to them, increasing the chances of them renewing their lease agreement. 
• Higher rent: a landlord can charge a pet deposit, which will go towards any damages that may occur during the tenant’s stay. If you do enough research and come to the conclusion that there are not many properties in your area that are pet friendly, tenants will have fewer options, making your property higher in demand. 

Disadvantages

• Damages to the property: your pet policy needs to include a clause that details what will happen should there be damages caused by pets, such as scratches to walls, carpets, and floors or destroying landscaping. 
• Potential noise: loud barking and other types of animal noises may be disruptive to neighbours, causing a disturbance in the area or building. 
• Pet odours: accidents in common areas can happen, causing it to smell and disrupt the overall aesthetic of the building, especially if the pet is not properly groomed. 

As stated before, a lease agreement needs to have clear expectations and rules regarding pets on the property. If you are lucky enough to have a responsible tenant, chances are there will be nothing to worry about. If applicable, it is also important to do reference checks from the potential tenant’s previous landlords to gather information on how well they did at their last rental. Tenants need to be honest and transparent when looking for a pet-friendly rental.