Renting To Tenant With A 55lbs Dog
Hello,
I like to get some tips on what to watch out for when tenants have big dogs. Wat are some of the things I should include on the rental agreement?
what kind of damage should I expect when a big dog is present at the property?
thanks, Pam
Pam,
You need to consider damage and possibly a lot of it; I would require a large pet deposit.
If this is an outside dog most likely your yard will face damage as well.
Some of the biggest problems I have faced are dogs chewing on woodwork, damage to siding and we can go on with this.
I normally charge a $500 none refundable pet charge on all my agreements and with most of my homes I allow no pets inside or out.
[addsig]
Check with your insurance company about breeds they prohibit, and won't insure if they're present. There's like 5 breeds that I've been told by insurance agents, are uninsurable.
there can be alot of damage. depends on the breed of dog and size..........i will never again allow pets.......km
I had to redo hardwoods and doorways when a tenant kept two pit bulls against the terms of the lease. In addition and in concert with a previous post, my insurance company will not renew for pit bulls, rotweilers and a few other breeds.
Breed and temperment are much more important than the weight of the dog. Although weight is still something to keep in mind. If you're considering a potential tenant that has a pet which doesn't always sit in container, you will need to "interview" the pet. Also, look at the interaction between the owner and the pet.
that is great. Thanks for the info.
The potential tenant just informed me that he has a 60lbs Golden Retriever. How good of a dog do you think it is? are they noisy? do they cause damage to the property?
do they shed too much hair or have bad smell? What should I worry about?
thanks, Pam
It all depends upon how they take care of the dog.
I have two, if I wash them once a week, they never smell.
As far as chewing, that is also up to the owner. My dogs learned very early I will not tolerate chewing on anything other than their doggy bones.
Golden Retrievers are big dogs, but are supposed to be good dogs. I believe they do shed. Shedding isn't a big deal either - so long as they vacuum every day.
I have one tenant with three big dogs. Someone is always home with them and I have yet to see any damage. Or notice an odor.
I once had a tenant with an older big dog. She never washed it. After three months, she moved out. The house REEKED of dog that I could not get out even after a professional cleaning. I had to replace the carpets. Ugh.
So it is up to you. If you have put a lot of money into making the house look nice, then I'd advise against it, or at least charging a nonrefundable pet deposit.
pam,
I try my hardest not to allow tenants to have pets. Of course they are all going to tell you the dog is trained well and we're always there when its out of the cage and so on, yet I would find myself cleaning up something after move out.
The other real big issue which hasnt been mentioned here is that a lot of people have allergies. Make sure you charge a hefty 'home 'detox' fee for the house when the creature is gone. Your gonna wanna make sure you get as much hair out of there as possible to keep your future tenants from sneezing while they are doing the walk thru
Good luck!
[addsig]
One thing I have found: be careful if you make a rule of "no pets".... tenants may still bring animals to your home.
I allow pets with a $200.00 FEE (non-refundable) and a deposit between $200.00 and $800.00 depending on refrences from past landlordd regarding the pet. If the past landlord says the pet was there and there was little to no damage I will give a much smaller deposit. If the past landlord says they either snuck the pet in or left a lot of 'pet damamge' I will charge a much higher deposit. Charging this high deposit will usually convince the tenant to go elsewhere - which is what I really want - and I don't have to deal with 'denying' them... If they are willing to pay the large deposit then I am willing to work with them...
I would rather someone tell me they have a pet and have to take payments on the deposit or something to that effect - rather than them 'sneak' a pet onto my property...
I do put in every lease "any unregistered (to landlord) pet found on the property, for ANY length of time, will be considered a stray and treated according to local laws regarding the removal of stray animals". In other words if they have a dog at my property and didn't tell me I simply call the local humane society and have the animal removed. Perfectly legal. I also put "tenant MUST obtain the services of a licensed pest-control company for the removal of any and all pests including fleas and ticks, in and sround the property, on a monthly basis, if a pet is at the property for any period of time." So they MUST have pest-control services when a pet is present... This lowers the risk of flea or tick infestation. I also put "all pets must be kept in a clean and safe environment including the home, yard and pet itself. Pets must be properly cared for per the guidelines of the local humane society. " Our local humane society gives out pamphlets that say pets should be washed at lease weekly. If a tenant fails to do so I reserve the right to demand that the pet be removed form the property within 24 hours.....
Hope This Helps!
Jennifer