How Adopting a Pet-Friendly Policy Benefits Landlords

People increasingly consider pets to be an important part of the family. This is evident in the number of specialty pet products and services that continue to be developed. By accepting pets and responsible owners as tenants, landlords can access this huge base of potential renters.

• Less turnover, fewer costs. People with pets typically find it difficult to find a good rental that will allow them to keep their pets. Once they find one, many tend to stay where they are -- which means longer occupancy and saved costs on marketing and promotion for the landlord.
  
  The task of advertising a rental unit, showing the unit, and selecting a tenant can be an onerous one. Finding a good, long-term tenant minimizes the need to start the tenant selection process all over again.

• More potential tenants. There are many responsible pet owners who are excellent tenants -- but they are currently shut out of a large part of the rental market. Adopting a pet-friendly policy opens up this market to you.
  
  Remember that people are just people, regardless of whether or not they choose to have pets. Someone who is neat and tidy is likely to still be neat and tidy, even if they choose to have a pet. People don't automatically become messy and irresponsible just because they've decided to share their lives with a pet. Choose a tenant on an individual basis, not on a blanket restriction about whether or not they have pets.

• You help to keep pets with their families. Many people consider their pets to be an important part of their families. They won't give them up. In some extreme circumstances, people may be forced to choose between giving up their beloved pets or finding a home - an equally stressful situation for both the families and for the pet.

More for Landlords Considering Accepting Pets:

• Common Concerns About Accepting Pets

• Developing a Pet Policy

• Drafting a Pet Application Form

• Renting to Responsible Pet Owners: A Checklist for Landlords