Blog Post

Considerations for Allowing Pets in Your Rental

Dustin Edwards • October 24, 2023

When listing your rental, remember a few considerations before doing so. Allowing pets in your rentals can be the deciding factor for many tenants, primarily in the current real estate market. It's not uncommon for couples to have pets before they decide to have children.


With this in mind, allowing pets isn’t necessarily the right choice for every landlord and every rental property. Service animals generally don't play a factor in these decisions. Today, we’ll explore the nuanced considerations and reservations that should help you make an informed decision when allowing pets in your rental property.


Pet-Friendly Building Readiness

As previously stated, some properties can be ready to accept tenant pets while others cannot. Each building and landlord may have to deal with a number of variables before making a decision. Primarily, is the rental big enough to comfortably and safely allow a tenant to have a pet? The main concern is with cleanliness and odor. And while it's great to assume every pet owner is vigilant of their pets, it's not uncommon for dogs or cats to soil carpet, which can leave unpleasant odors and stains. Cats are known for using anything and everything to sharpen their claws. This can include window screens and carpets as well. Dogs are known to scratch the paint off doors to bedrooms or entrances to signify excitement or need to go out.


Some of these issues can be mitigated by removing the carpet and installing hardwood floors or tiles. Window screens must be replaced with more durable materials to prevent cats from destroying them too quickly. Regular inspections may also be required to see the condition of the rental. This way, a landlord can get ahead of maintenance to prevent further damage. This, however, can be quite expensive for some investors, which may lead them to choose not to allow pets.


Pet’s Influence on Your Insurance

A major factor in allowing pets in your rental involves your insurance. By no means are we insurance agents. Though your insurance will likely be impacted by simply allowing pets in your rental, insurance can also dictate the breed of dogs, size of animal, and amount of pets allowed. As an example, cats are generally deemed low-risk pets and only minimally affect insurance premiums compared to dogs. 


Smaller dog breeds, such as chihuahuas, pugs, and Pomeranians, are typically considered low-risk due to their size. Larger breeds, however, may be subjected to higher premiums, such as cocker spaniels or golden retrievers. Some insurance companies outright ban some breeds. These breeds include chow chow, Akita, and other problematic dog breeds.

Discuss this with your insurance agent before making any final decisions.


Additional Maintenance

While allowing pets can broaden your tenant selection, it has drawbacks. Inside the rental itself, you may only see the maintenance needed once the tenant moves out or requires work to be done. If the rental was previously set up to accommodate pets, then maintenance can be reduced, though you’ll need to spend additional resources to repair scratch marks before painting. Odors may also be an issue if the tenant neglects to clean diligently after their pet.


Some of these costs can be offset by implementing a pet security deposit separate from the standard deposit. Maintenance can also be used as an opportunity to replace anything that was damaged by the pet with a more resilient material or product to avoid future repairs.


Many tenants rely on their pets to relax and enjoy their time. Pet owners tend to move out less out of fear of not finding another pet-friendly rental. This means you can have consistent income by allowing pets, though only for some. If you need help setting up your rental to allow pets or need help managing your
pet-friendly properties, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or fill out our Owner Application online.

Share this post

By Dustin Edwards November 18, 2024
Be aware of these 3 common issues when the rainy season arrives at your rental property.
Cold weather can come fast and strong so it's best to ensure your property is ready for this climate
By Dustin Edwards November 12, 2024
It's important to prepare your rental properties for the colder weather. Although we don’t need to prepare for snow and freezing temperatures, we do need to prepare for the cold and rain. By ensuring your rental is cozy inside and prepared for the fall season , you can not only reduce energy costs for your tenant but also maintain your rental property value. Today, we’ll go over three signs your property is ready for this upcoming cold weather.  Sign #1 Proper Weatherproofing During the colder seasons, it's much easier for a tenant to notice any cold spots in your rental. Well-insulated doors and windows can not only help maintain the warm temperature but also prevent it from lowering. It can also prevent cold spots and drafts, which can help with tenant satisfaction . Doors and windows should be properly sealed and insulated to prevent drafts and maintain proper temperatures. A visual inspection of the weatherstripping around doors and windows to ensure they’re intact is a great place to start. If damaged, consider replacing them, as trying to seal gaps can be tricky and rarely lasts. Other seals should also be checked, as well as any areas that need to be caulked in order to keep cold air out. Insulation during the summer helps keep the cool air in, and during the winter, insulation in the halls and attics helps retain desired heat. Hot air rises, and if there isn't adequate insulation in the ceiling, heat will continually be lost. Luckily, adding insulation to an attic is not uncommon and typically only requires a day or two for installation. Sign #2 Energy Efficiency Measures During the winter, it's not just the cold you need to keep in mind. As days are much shorter, there is less sunlight to keep the rental warm and more hours of darkness. For this reason, it's a good idea to keep energy efficiency in mind when preparing for the cold weather. Energy-efficient lighting or smart lighting helps reduce overall costs since your tenant will likely use electricity to keep warm. Ensure your outdoor lighting is rated for external use, as this can provide crucial illumination during longer nights. Draft guards on doors and windows help reduce the load on your rental’s HVAC system which can significantly improve its lifespan. This is also a great time to replace filters and clean the ductwork in your rental to improve energy efficiency. Additionally, consider installing an insulative film on older windows, which helps retain heat and keep rooms warmer without the need for extra heating. If your rental has a programmable thermostat, ensure it’s in working order, as this can help tenants manage an energy-efficient heating schedule more easily. Sign #3 Property Exterior Southern California is a great place to settle down, and while we don't need to worry about snowfall or deep freezes, ensuring the exterior of your rental property is ready for the cold weather is important. With our cold season mainly bringing with it rain, inspect your rental property’s rain gutter system . Remove debris from drains and check for leaks or signs of wear and tear. Walkways should be clear of debris and well-lit. This may require you to prune and trim trees and bushes that may leave behind leaves. When combined with rainfall, a single wet leaf can cause someone to slip and hurt themselves. Consider adding non-slip mats or tape to areas where people may have tripped in the past. Much like during the hotter weather, it's important for your rental to be ready for fall and winter. By keeping your property ready for any weather Southern California has to offer, you ensure your rental property and tenants will provide steady rental income every month. If you need help preparing your rental for the cold weather or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
By Dustin Edwards November 4, 2024
Owning a rental property in a beach city like Long Beach, CA , offers a number of advantages, like great weather and a strong real estate market. However, the cold ocean breezes can pose some challenges for landlords and tenants, making it convenient for property managers . Although the weather is generally great, these ocean breezes can sometimes make properties drafty and uncomfortable during the fall and winter seasons. Today we’ll go over four measures that can improve tenant comfort and protect your investment from the cold ocean breezes. Weatherproofing Againsts Drafts Drafts are caused by gaps between doors and windows which can make a rental feel colder than it is. This leads to unnecessary energy use and tenant discomfort. Sealing these gaps is not difficult and quite doable for a landlord who doesn’t mind getting their hands dirty. Replacing worn weatherstripping and adding fresh caulking to seal minor gaps blocks air from permeating the property. For additional protection from drafts, you can provide your tenant with inexpensive door sweeps. Improve Heating Efficiency Having efficient heating is crucial to countering the cooler ocean breezes while keeping costs low. Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC system , such as replacing filters, cleaning vents, and cleaning the compressor to keep it running smoothly. This not only provides more efficient heating, it also extends the life of your HVAC system. Installing a smart thermostat is another way for tenants to adjust heating schedules efficiently. Protect Outdoor Spaces Outdoor areas such as patios, balconies, and even porches can oftentimes be exposed to the coastal breezes. This can be an issue in the long run, especially for rentals next to the beach , as the wind can carry sand and salt, which can accelerate the deterioration of metals, wood, and paint. This can be mitigated by adding windbreaks to the property, such as lattice panels or outdoor curtains, to create a more comfortable and functional outdoor space. Exterior finishes will require more frequent maintenance. This includes resealing wood and metal surfaces. As well as repainting is important to protect against wear from salt, sand, and moisture. Wind Mitigating Landscaping Much like with the curtains and lattice previously talked about, the landscaping can also be used as a windbreak. For example, planting wind-resistant shrubs or trees alongside exposed areas creates a natural barrier. This helps reduce the impact of the gusts of wind hitting the property. Many native plants thrive in coastal climates while also requiring minimal maintenance. While expensive, the results can greatly improve your rental’s longevity and curb appeal. Alternatively, you can strategically place planters to provide protection. Durable Furniture Furniture and fixtures exposed to the cold coastal breezes need to be able to withstand that wear and tear. Choose resilient materials such as treated wood, powder-coated metals, and outdoor-rated plastics. These are less prone to being damaged by the salt or wind. Furniture that is lightweight should be secured or anchored in place to prevent it from being blown away. By investing in durable furnishing, you can provide tenants with a comfortable and functional outdoor space for years to come. Protecting your beach city property from the cold ocean breeze doesn't necessarily require extensive renovations or investments. Try to focus on any relevant feedback from your tenant, this can help you pinpoint what part of your rental needs attention. If you need additional help protecting your rental property from the cold ocean breezes or if you need help managing Beach City rental property, we invite you to call us today at (562) 888-0247 or complete our Owner Application online .
Show More
Share by: