Why Bad Tenants with Pets Pose Additional Risks for Landlords

Landlord life comes with its unique set of challenges, one of which is the potential impact that bad tenants with pets can have on property maintenance and overall profitability. As a seasoned landlord, I have witnessed firsthand the perils and challenges that arise from allowing tenants to bring in pets without proper consideration.

Case Study 1: The Chihuahua Incident

Several years ago, I found myself renting a 3-bedroom house to a couple. After a few months, they decided to get divorced, and the wife decided to stay. Concerned about her emotional wellbeing, I initially agreed to her request to keep a Chihuahua as a companion. However, the situation quickly took a turn for the worse.

During our routine inspection, I discovered that the Chihuahua had been confined to each bedroom while the rest of the family was in the living room. The dog attempted to break out by scratching at the doors, frames, and carpet. Even though the carpet and door frames were brand new when the lease began, the wear and tear caused by the dog’s behavior necessitated significant repairs. This experience highlighted the direct and indirect damage pets can inflict on properties.

Case Study 2: The Big Dog Incident

Another one of my fourplexes included an upstairs unit rented to a woman who had explicitly stated that no pets were allowed. However, one year into the lease, she brought in a large dog claiming it was an emotional support animal. Despite my attempts to adhere to the lease agreements, I was unable to make her remove the dog or evict her.

One day, the downstairs unit below her complained about a smell and something dripping from the ceiling. Upon investigation, I discovered that the dog had urinated extensively, causing the entire sub-floor to become saturated with urine. The situation became so severe that the building department condemned the building and required it to be demolished. Unfortunately, my insurance did not cover any of the costs.

The Broader Implications of Allowing Pets

These experiences underscore the many risks and consequences that can arise when landlords allow pets on their properties, including:

Increased Maintenance Costs: Pets can cause significant damage to property, from scratched door frames to urine-soaked subfloors. These damages not only affect the aesthetic value of the property but also require costly repairs. Ethical Dilemma: Allowing pets can compromise the safety and comfort of other tenants. Pets can create unpleasant odors, noise disturbances, and even emotional stress for neighbors. Legal Challenges: If a pet is classified as an emotional support animal, you may face legal restrictions that are difficult to enforce or fully comply with. Financial Loss: In extreme cases like the one described, tenants with pets may cause irreparable damage that results in the demolition of the property, as in the case with my fourplex. Time and Effort: Managing tenants with pets often involves frequent inspections, ongoing communication, and potential disputes over lease terms.

Best Practices for Landlords

To mitigate these risks, landlords can implement several strategies:

Clear Lease Agreements: Draft leases that explicitly prohibit or limit pet ownership and include clauses about pet-related responsibilities. Thorough Tenant Screening: Research potential tenants to ensure their suitability, especially if they will be bringing in pets. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine property checks to address any issues early and prevent further damage. Weigh Emotional Support Allowances Carefully: If you allow emotional support animals, create clear policies and guidelines for the certification and behavior expectations. Insurance Considerations: Explore pet-friendly policies that can provide coverage for damage caused by pets.

Conclusion

Allowing tenants with pets poses a significant risk to landlords, as demonstrated by the cases discussed. However, with a clear understanding of the potential challenges and a proactive approach to management, these risks can be mitigated. By adhering to best practices and being vigilant, landlords can maintain healthy and mutually beneficial relationships with their tenants while protecting the integrity and value of their properties.