Pets in Rentals: Should You Allow Them? Pros, Cons & How to Set a Smart Pet Policy
Attract more tenants, protect your property, and keep things simple with a clear pet policy—and the right tools to manage it.
Love them or not, pets are a huge part of modern renter life. In fact, over 66% of U.S. households own a pet—and for many renters, a strict "no pets" policy is an automatic dealbreaker.
So the question for landlords isn’t just “Should I allow pets?” It’s how to do it smartly.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
✅ The real pros and cons of allowing pets
✅ How pets impact rental property value and tenant retention
✅ What to include in a clear, enforceable pet policy
✅ And how Nextpad Homes helps you document, track, and manage pet-related rules
The Pros of Accepting Pets in Rental Properties
1. Bigger Tenant Pool
Pet-friendly properties attract a wider range of applicants—and often lease faster.
Many tenants won’t even apply if pets aren’t allowed
Pet owners tend to be more responsible and stable
Pet-friendly listings stand out in competitive markets
2. Higher Rent Potential
You can typically charge:
Higher monthly rent ($25–$100 extra per pet)
Non-refundable pet fees ($150–$300)
Pet deposits (refundable security funds)
Over time, this can significantly boost cash flow—especially for multi-year leases.
3. Longer Tenant Stays
It’s harder for tenants to find pet-friendly housing, so they tend to stay longer—reducing your turnover and vacancy costs.
The Cons of Accepting Pets
1. Potential Property Damage
Scratched floors, chewed woodwork, stained carpets—some pets can be tough on a rental.
Damage from one animal can cost hundreds (or thousands) to repair
Even “well-behaved” pets may have accidents, especially in multi-pet households
2. Noise or Neighbor Complaints
Barking dogs can trigger noise issues in multi-family units
Aggressive or poorly trained animals can pose risks to others
3. Liability Issues
Certain dog breeds or pet-related incidents could expose you to legal and insurance risks—especially if someone is injured.
How to Set a Smart, Landlord-Friendly Pet Policy
If you choose to allow pets, the key is setting clear rules from the start. Don’t leave it to guesswork.
Here’s what your pet policy should cover:
1. Allowed Pet Types and Limits
Be specific:
Dogs only? Cats? Birds? Reptiles?
Maximum weight (e.g. 50 lbs)?
Limit of 1–2 pets per unit?
Tip: Avoid blanket breed restrictions—some may violate local or federal housing laws.
2. Required Pet Fees
Outline:
Non-refundable pet fee (for cleaning/wear)
Pet deposit (refundable security deposit)
Monthly pet rent
Make sure these fees are clearly itemized in the lease.
3. Behavior Expectations
Include clauses for:
No excessive barking
Leash requirements in shared areas
Clean-up responsibilities
No unauthorized pets
✅ Nextpad Homes lets you customize and attach pet addendums to your lease—making your policy enforceable and organized.
4. Documentation Requirements
Ask tenants to provide:
Pet application
Vaccination records
Photo of each pet
Proof of local registration (if required)
✅ Nextpad keeps all pet documentation stored and accessible by unit and tenant—so you never have to search for paperwork when issues arise.
What About Service Animals?
Important: Service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) are not considered pets under the law.
You cannot charge pet rent, deposits, or deny a qualified applicant for having one
You can request appropriate documentation if the need isn’t obvious
You can’t apply breed, size, or number restrictions
✅ Need help navigating this? Nextpad provides templates and guidance for ESA documentation and Fair Housing compliance.
Pro Tip: Use Systems to Enforce Your Policy
Even with a great policy, enforcement gets tricky without the right tools.
With Nextpad Homes, you can:
Include pet clauses in digital leases and renewals
Collect and store pet documentation
Track fees, deposits, and violations by tenant
Communicate pet rules clearly through a tenant portal
Get notified of lease violations or unauthorized animals
Final Thought: Pets Can Be a Win—If You Plan for Them
Saying “yes” to pets doesn’t mean saying “yes” to chaos.
With:
A clear policy
Defined fees
Documentation from day one
And a platform to manage it all…
…you can enjoy more rental income, fewer vacancies, and happier tenants—without sacrificing control.
Nextpad Homes helps self-managing landlords stay organized, compliant, and protected—while delivering a modern experience your tenants (and their pets) will appreciate.
👉 Ready to allow pets—with structure and peace of mind?
Use Nextpad Homes to build and enforce a pet policy that works for your rental.