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Pros and Cons of a Pet-Friendly Rental in Macon

White French Bulldog Sleeping on Bed in Macon RentalIt can be taxing to decide whether or not to provide a pet-friendly rental home in Macon. Offering a pet-friendly rental property could open up a whole new renter demographic. There are also disadvantages when you allow tenants to keep pets in your rental. Before advertising your property as a pet-friendly rental, it’s important that you weigh the pros and cons of doing so.

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), 68% of U.S. households have one or more pets. With Americans owning more than 90 million dogs and 94 million cats, it is unmistakable that pet owners outnumber non-pet owners by a fair margin. Roughly 50% of renters are also pet owners. Moreover, 35% who are not pet owners said they would like to be if their lease allowed it.

After looking at the figures, you can see how pet-friendly rentals could increase demand for your property, which could mean increased income from pet fees and higher monthly rent. Financially, you have several reasons to let pets into your rental property.

On the other hand, having a pet-friendly rental also brings along a new set of potential problems. One of the most significant of these is the risk of property damage. Pets usually cause damage to homes and yards, even well-trained ones. Some dogs instinctively dig holes, chew and gnaw doors and trim, or claw walls and doors, while cats normally like to scratch and mark furniture and flooring. If your pets are anxious or untrained, they are even more likely to cause damage. Animal urine can seep into wood trim, carpet pads, and drywall, creating unpleasant odors and unsanitary conditions. Property owners who allow pets could tend to have more repairs and maintenance costs.

Most property owners encourage their tenants to take preventative measures against property damage as well as require a pet deposit. Tenants are likely to agree to an additional fee if it means they can keep their beloved pets. Some have provided instruction to their tenants on protecting the home against pet damage. For example, some advise providing a scratching post for a pet cat or using enzymatic cleaners on urine spots can minimize some damages.

Asking tenants to clean up after their pets is also a good idea. This includes emptying a cat’s litter box or housebreaking a dog. Lastly, if you notice a tenant’s pet seems anxious or bored, you can suggest that they get a pet sitter or a daycare situation. With these strategies, you can both protect your rental property and allow your tenants to keep their pets.

Consider also the potential impact on future tenants of allowing pets in your rental home. Tenants who have animal allergies may not want to rent a property that has previously housed pets. Pet dander can be a challenge to remove entirely and can cause allergy symptoms in sensitive individuals.

If you decide to allow pets on your property, make sure you clean the house correctly before accepting any new tenants. Wash or steam clean all interior surfaces and thoroughly vacuum using a HEPA filter to remove embedded pet hairs and debris. Remember to clean the home’s air ducts and replace all filters as well. An expertly calculated pet deposit should cover these additional expenses adequately.

There are several pros and cons to consider in terms of pet-friendly rentals. What is important is that you have looked at all the factors, including your rental property’s location and target demographic, so that when you make your decision, it will be a good fit long-term. If you would like to know the local market better or help to manage your rental, contact us online, and the team at Real Property Management Vesta would love to be of service to you.

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