In the Coeur d’Alene rental market pets are important, many tenants have pets or decide to have pets after they move in and it is best to be educated on the guidelines that one sets out in your lease. Especially in the single-family rental home market, residents may wish to bring their furry friends home to live in their rental house. The comforts of a kitten or puppy is hard to resist, which is perhaps why sneaking animals into rental homes that don’t allow them is such a common cause of lease violations. Even if you have decided to allow pets on your property, violations can occur when residents acquires an unauthorized pets without your permission.
Residents with a pet that doesn’t follow your lease means they may try to hide the animal’s presence from you. This can make it hard to determine whether a violation of your pet policy is happening. However, confronting a resident about their pets can result in tension or difficult situations between you and your tenant. If a resident is not in violation, your accusations might damage your relationship with them. Even if they are in violation, making accusations without proof is a bad idea. Keep in mind that matters between your tenant and following a lease is a legal issue and you have the support of the law behind you. Your resident may resent you, so keep in perspective the contract and its binding power, in spite of the multitude of emotions or situations that may arise.
It is also good to remember reasons why a lease has certain pet perimeters. Allowing unauthorized pets to remain on the property carries risks of increased wear and tear, as well as damage to the property. As the rental property owner, you will most greatly be effected by any damages your renter’s pets cause, which diminish your profits and property value, and require the expense of repairs. Unauthorized pets may also create potential liability issues for property owners depending on the laws and regulations in your area. For these reasons, it is best to take action when it comes to your attention that an unauthorized pet is inhabiting one of your rental properties. These issues can be complex because you are dealing with emotions, situations, and a living animal. It is easy to get caught up in the situation and drama and loose sight of the lease, intention, and the best options for you and your property.
That is why hiring a reputable property management company as a middle man helps solve these issues. A good property managemnt company will have experience in lease law, interpersonal skills, and understanding and compassion in handling these issues. An experienced property manager can help you avoid expensive mishaps if a pet violations occur. First, they will use clear and specific lease language so to hinder any loop holes. Also a quality property manager will help find the best tenant though properly vetting potential residents and their pets, checking carefully for red flags and past violations. With there many years experience in the business they can scope out and see when a tenant will be a good fit or try to find ways around lease guidelines. A great property manager will also schedule and perform regular property evaluations, allowing them to gather information and photographic evidence. This gives good proof if ever legal action is needed. Finally, a great property manager will help you resolve the issue in the event of a pet violation, providing you peace of mind about your valuable real estate investment.
Managing a residential rental property and preventing issues such as unauthorized pets cannot be put on autopilot. Please contact us for more information.
We are pledged to the letter and spirit of U.S. policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the Nation. See Equal Housing Opportunity Statement for more information.
