Landlords have an inherent right to allow or disallow pets in their rental property. When they choose to allow pets, it’s best to conduct a thorough pet screening for rentals beforehand. This process mitigates potential problems down the road — for both the landlord and tenant.
What is Pet Screening for Rentals?
Pets have always been a crucial part of owners’ lives. Often, they cross the border from being mere companions and become family members. Unsurprisingly, 43% of pet owners are willing to move to accommodate their furry friends.
Landlords have quickly caught on and have loosened restrictions around pets in rental properties. Others have even built pet-friendly facilities to attract renters and boost property value. However, regardless of their advantages, pets inherently pose a risk. Property damage, noise, and unpleasant run-ins with neighbors are just some of these hazards.
How do you come up with a compromise? By adopting comprehensive pet screening for rentals. Pet screening is essentially a background check of a renter’s pet. It offers a glimpse into the pet’s health history and behavioral patterns. Landlords use the information to assess the pet’s risk and suitability for the rental property. It’s a bit like a tenant screening — though you won’t find any questions about credit scores or eviction history.
What’s the Difference Among Pet Screening and Pet Rent, Pet Deposits, or Pet Policies?
Landlords place many restrictions and requirements when it comes to pets. It can confuse tenants who don’t know the difference between pet policies and screening. Here are how these terms differ:
- Pet Policy. A pet policy includes all the rules concerning pets in the rental property. Common examples of pet policies include noise levels, leash requirements, cleaning up after the pet, and penalties for unauthorized pets.
- Pet Rent. Landlords may charge a monthly fee, called pet rent, to cover the cost of maintaining properties with pets.
- Pet Deposit. A pet deposit is a one-time, refundable payment to cover unexpected damage caused by a pet.
- Pet Screening. It is about inspecting the pet’s behavior and history. This may be implemented simultaneously with any of the aforementioned three pet arrangements.
Can Landlords Screen Service Animals?
Support and service animals should be exempt from pet fees and rules. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) does not consider them traditional pets. Landlords must offer reasonable accommodations to comply with federal regulations. The same rule applies to emotional support animals.
While landlords generally have to accept service animals, they can still be subject to “pet screening.” The intent is not to approve the animal but to learn more about it. This establishes a better relationship between the landlord and the tenant. If the animal is aggressive, it may be best to speak with a legal professional to understand your options.
HUD Exemptions
The HUD provides exemptions where landlords can reject reasonable accommodations. They may deny the request if:
- The request fundamentally changes the housing provider’s nature of operations
- Approval imposes undue administrative and financial burden on the housing provider
- The assistance animal poses a direct threat to the safety and health of others despite other reasonable accommodations that may reduce or eradicate such a threat
- It would lead to significant physical damage to others’ property despite other reasonable accommodations that may reduce or eradicate the physical damage
What to Look for During Screening?
Landlords should consider several factors when screening pets. Firstly, prioritize the pet’s behavior and training. The pet’s behavior around others will help you understand how they will behave in a communal living space. In addition, it’s important to verify the pet’s medical history and adherence to local laws to ensure all your tenants’ health and safety.
Finally, the screening process should help you create a culture of open communication and cooperation with tenants and prospective renters about their pet’s habits and needs. It establishes transparency and creates an inclusive environment for the tenants.
Pet Screening Guide for Landlords
There are numerous ways to conduct a pet screening for rentals. Most screening processes start with a written application. Many also include a pet interview to assess the pet’s behavior, grooming, and training. Here are some screening procedures you can adopt as a landlord.
1. Define the Rules
Landlords should clarify all the rules surrounding pets and include some of them in the lease terms. The rules could include acceptable noise levels, necessary vaccinations, required documentation, and associated fees. Tenants should be aware of these, especially if bringing in a pet will incur additional costs. The rules can help them decide whether bringing the pet is worth it.
2. Screening Application Form
Every pet audit in rental housing should have a screening application form. Tenants should fill out all the details, whether online or offline. Here are some things to include in the initial application form:
- Type of pet
- Breed of pet
- Length of ownership
- Age
- Size of pet
- Vaccinations
- Training courses
- Behavioral history
Landlords may also request proof of vaccinations, training, letters from vets regarding pet health, and references from previous landlords. The rental application form should also ask whether or not the pet is a service animal.
4. Pet Interview
Landlords may sometimes approve the pet immediately after reviewing the application. It usually happens when the pet is low-stakes enough, such as a goldfish or hamster, that it would not significantly impact the property or living experience. However, landlords may also evaluate pets further by conducting an in-person interview.
An in-person interview can help you assess the pet’s behavior without the owner’s inherent bias. For instance, some pet owners might say the pet is not aggressive, but there may be a different outcome if you meet the pet in person. Consider the following characteristics when assessing the pet:
- Compatibility with other tenants and their pets
- Behavioral issues such as aggression, destructive behavior, or excessive barking
- Response to basic owner commands
- Discrepancies between the pet’s characteristics and the stated qualities in the application
It’s important to exercise discernment during the interview. Pets often get excited or nervous in a new environment, and they may need time to adjust before they can behave normally.
5. Approve or Reject
Before approving or rejecting the pet, review any local, state, or federal laws regarding the topic. Afterward, make an informed decision about whether or not to allow the pet on the property.
A Necessary Step
Pet screening for rentals is essential to allowing pets into the rental property. It will enable landlords to reduce potential liability risks that come with pets. Establish clear rules and adopt a thorough screening process to protect your investment and the other tenants.
Do you need help screening pets for your rental property? A property management company can help with that. Find one in Florida through our online directory!
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