A consistent rise in the number of home foreclosures has an increasing number of pet owners facing a new reality: they must find a pet-friendly rental or find a new home for their furry or feathered family member.
Realtors and landlords alike agree that a responsible pet owner with a well-trained pet is more likely to find a pet-friendly rental and a major part of the process entails offering up a pet-related contract.
Tony Cummings, an owner of several rental properties, does rent to responsible pet owners and he requires that tenants sign a special contract stating that they will keep their pet up-to-date on vaccinations, clean up after their pet’s bathroom activities and that they will utilize flea/tick control methods regularly. He also requires that all dogs and cats are spayed or neutered, but Cummings added, “I’ve never encountered a problem in that respect. Usually, only the very responsible pet owners get to the point of signing a contract and in my experience, the vast majority of responsible pet owners already have their pets fixed.”
He added, “I am also more apt to rent to pet owners who have performed training classes with their pet. I feel that proper training is a big part of responsible pet ownership, and if a person already has a relationship with a trainer, I feel they’re going to be more likely to address and solve any problems early on, which is really an important part of living with a pet in a rental situation.”
Cummings, like many other property owners, looks positively upon pet owners who take the initiative to offer up their own pet-related contract. “I see it as a sign of a responsible individual and that’s exactly what I’m looking for in my tenants.”
A pet owner’s rental contract should include the following clauses:
- I agree to spay/neuter my pet
- I agree to complete obedience training classes with my pet or provide a certificate of my pet’s successful completion of a training course.
- I agree to keep my pet up-to-date on vaccinations
- I agree to license my dog with the city/town on an annual basis
- I agree to keep my pet on a flea and tick preventative
- I agree to keep my pet well-groomed and in good health
- I agree to repair any damages caused by my pet
- I agree to clean-up after my pet on outdoor bathroom trips
- I agree to keep my pet supervised, properly restrained and on a leash at all times when on the property.
- I agree to address any problems that may arise concerning my pet, and take necessary measures to promptly resolve the issue.
Offering a separate deposit for pet-related damages is also viewed favorably by many landlords.
“I think the key is to be honest and patient. Even without a pet, it can take some time to find the right home. And when you do find a pet-friendly rental that’s right for you, don’t be without a back-up plan because it’s not just about finding a pet-friendly home – it’s about keeping it too,” added Realtor Geno Storey.
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Mia Carter - Mia Carter - Journalist, Producer/Editor & Web Writer. Carter's work has appeared on CBS and CNN.com.
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