Why Pet Screening Is Always a Good Idea

Pet ownership is on the rise in the United States. Finding a home that allows pets is a top priority. And, landlords who offer pet-friendly properties attract a larger pool of tenants and potentially increase their rental income. However, allowing pets can be a hassle. Just like tenant screening, pet screening can go a long way in ensuring your rental property is in good hands and will be taken care of.

From noise complaints to property damage, you'll have your hands full. Enter pet screening - a simple way to up your rental game. Pet screening allows landlords to gather valuable information about a tenant's pet(s), including their breed, age, and behavior history.

Wondering where to start? We, Evolve Real Estate and Property Management, can help. In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about pet screening.

What's Pet Screening?

Pet screening is a way to evaluate potential tenants and their pets before they move in. This thorough process typically includes a pet interview, a review of the pet's veterinary records, and a rental application.

During the pet interview, you can ask the potential tenant questions about their pet's past, behavior, and lifestyle to determine if the pet is a good fit for the neighborhood and other tenants.

Why Should You Allow Pets in Rental Properties?

Allowing pets in rental properties can help to attract more potential tenants. This can also help to increase occupancy rates and rental income for the landlord.

Here are two reasons why a pet can be an added advantage to your rental business:

1. Increased rental income: Allowing pets can help increase rental income by attracting more tenants. Tenants with pets will be willing to pay more for their rental.
2. Enhanced tenant retention: Allowing pets often leads to longer tenancy periods. That's because tenants with pets are less likely to move due to the difficulty of finding another rental that allows pets.

How to Conduct Pet Screening?

If you’re a landlord who is considering allowing pets in your rental property, you may be wondering how to go about conducting pet screening for potential tenants. Here are some tips on how to conduct pet screening for your rental property:

1. Ask Potential Tenants for Pet Information: When considering a tenant, make sure to ask them for information about their pet. Ask them for the type of pet, breed, age, size, and any other relevant information. This will help you decide if the pet is a good fit for your property.

2. Verify Vet Records: It’s important to make sure a potential tenant’s pet is up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Ask for proof of the pet’s vet records and verify that they are up to date.

3. Check References: Ask potential tenants for references from previous landlords, or other people who can verify that the pet is well-behaved and not a nuisance.

4. Require a Pet Deposit: To ensure that you are protected in case of any damage caused by a tenant’s pet, it’s important to require a pet deposit. This deposit should cover any potential damage that may be caused by the pet.

5. Set Rules for Pets: Make sure to set rules for tenants and their pets in your rental property. These rules should include information about noise levels, cleanliness, and any other rules you want to set for pet owners.

Questions to Ask during Pet Screening

When considering adopting a pet, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure that the pet is compatible with your lifestyle and family.

The following questions can provide insight into the pet's behavior, health, and overall compatibility before making a commitment:

• 1. What type of pet do you have?
• 2. How long have you owned the pet?
• 3. Is the pet up to date on vaccines/shots?
• 4. Is the pet spayed/neutered?
• 5. Is the pet house-trained?
• 6. Does the pet have any behavioral issues?
• 7. Are there any other pets in the home?
• 8. How often does the pet need to be walked?
• 9. Are you able to provide proof of pet insurance?
• 10. Does the pet have any prior history of damaging property?
• 11. What gender is the pet?
• 12. What age is the pet?
• 13. Does the pet get along with other animals and/or children? How often does the pet need to be walked?
• 14. Are you able to provide proof of pet insurance?
• 15. Does the pet have any prior history of damaging property?

Reasons to Always Conduct a Pet Screening

You should always do pet screening when renting out their properties. As a landlord, you can avoid potential problems such as damage to their property, noise complaints, or financial losses due to pet-related accidents.

1. To ensure the safety of other residents: Pet screening can help to identify any aggressive animals that could potentially harm others. This can help to keep tenants in the building safe and secure.
2. To minimize damage to the property: Pets can cause damages to the property, such as chewing on carpets and furniture. Pet screening can help to identify any animals that may be prone to destruction and destruction-related behaviors.
3. To keep the premises clean: Pets can leave messes in common areas, such as pet fur and accidents. Pet screening can help to identify any animals that may not be potty-trained or that may be difficult to keep clean. This can help to keep the property clean and tidy.

Common Challenges in Pet Screening

Pet screening can be a tricky process sometimes. Here are some common challenges in pet screening that you might face:

• 1. Pet Aggression: Difficulty in assessing aggressive behavior of animals in a new environment.
• 2. Lack of Pet Ownership Information: Difficulty to obtain accurate information about pet ownership.
• 3. Unfamiliarity with Animals: Difficulty in determining the health and behavior of animals due to unfamiliarity.
• 4. Cost: Difficulty in affording the cost of pet screening.
• 5. Limited Availability of Veterinary Care: Difficulty in obtaining veterinary care due to limited availability.
• 6. Time-Consuming Process: Difficulty in completing the pet screening process in a timely manner.
• 7. Inaccurate Records: Difficulty in maintaining accurate records of pet screening.

Bottom Line

Pet screening is always a good idea because it helps to ensure that the pet you are considering adopting is a good fit for your family and home environment. Screening can help to identify any potential health or behavioral issues that the pet may have, as well as any potential allergies that may affect your family.

If you are struggling with anything, take help from Evolve Real Estate and Property Management. We can help you navigate all the processes of pet screening. We can also handle all other aspects of property management, such as property marketing, tenant screening, rental maintenance and more! Contact us today to learn more about our services!