Screening Pet Owners for Rental Properties

by Zack Gordan
(Berkshire, England)

If you ever had pets in rental properties, you will know that the pets themselves aren't the real problem - It's often the irresponsible tenants who allow their untrained pets to run amok and rack up nasty damages.

Personally I have rented out to 4 pet owners before and not once did the pets cause any major problems. Let me share my tips and tricks for spotting a responsible pet owner:

I will like to begin by stating that my definition of "pets" refers to cats and dogs - Generally fishes and caged birds are no hassle at all.

Since many landlords frown upon tenants with pets, some people will go to amazing lengths to conceal their pets. If someone actually reveals that he's a pet owner without any probing, he's more likely to be a trustworthy person.

During your face to face meeting with a potential tenant, ask him to bring his pet along. If he refuses or make excuses, that's an instant red light. If he brings his pet along, then it's good chance to observe its behavior. Propertydo's guide already has excellent details on what to watch out for so I shall skip to the next part.

A responsible pet owner is always ready to put his mouth on the money is. If you ask for more security deposit and higher rents, he should be agreeable as long as your request is reasonable.