Roughly 86 million families in the U.S. own a pet. As a rental property owner in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., you might be wondering how this is important to you. Well, about half of these families live in rented homes, and they live with their pets.
This brings about the question: should your Saratoga Springs tenants move into your property with their pets? As much as pets are beloved companions, they can be destructive, noisy, and even dangerous. You need to consider the ups and downsides when making rental pet policies.
Here are a few guidelines for handling pets in a rental property.
Understand the Relevant Laws
New York state laws don't prohibit landlords from implementing a "no-pets" policy. However, this doesn't mean all the power is in your hands.
First, there's the Federal Housing Act, which makes it illegal to discriminate against a renter based on their disability. Some disabled people live with service animals at the direction of healthcare professionals. You cannot prevent such tenants from living with their pets on your property.
All your rental policies must be based on a legal framework and tenant rights. Laws change from time to time, so be sure to stay abreast of any changes and adjust your rules accordingly.
Pet Restrictions
Having a complete ban on pets with the exception of service animals isn't a smart move. In Saratoga, the vast majority of renters are young people, most of whom own a pet. By having a no-pet policy, you'd be lowering your property's attractiveness to prospective renters.
A smart approach is to put restrictions on certain pets. For example, you can ban large dog breeds or breeds known to be aggressive. You can also ban exotic pets such as large cats, bears, and wolves.
Make sure you have a tenant pet agreement detailing these restrictions, as well as the consequences for violating them. Should a tenant breach the rule repeatedly, you'll have valid grounds to evict them from your property.
Setting a Pet Deposit Amount
Having a pet-friendly property often comes at an additional cost to landlords. If your rental is furnished, there's a high likelihood that your carpets, curtains, and furniture could suffer pet damage. You may also need to provide amenities like a washing station.
You're allowed to set a pet fee for your rental property, but how do you go about determining the amount?
Consider market rates. What are other landlords with similar properties in Saratoga charging? You'll find that some landlords have a one-time non-refundable fee, while others have a monthly fee. Adopt a model that best suits your needs.
Handle Pets in a Rental Property the Right Way
In a country of pet lovers, allowing pets in a rental property seems like a no-brainer. However, as a landlord, you're in business, and you need to weigh the pros and cons of such a move.
If you're struggling to create a suitable pet policy, Veno Properties stands ready to help. We are dedicated to providing top-notch, reliable property management services. We use state-of-the-art technology to streamline operations, ensure excellence, and deliver the best value in the Capital Region.
Contact us to take the next step in your quest for superior property management.
