Paw Prints and Property Preservation: Strategies for Pet-Proofing Your Rentals

Did you know that renting your investment property to tenants with pets can increase your occupancy rates and rental income?

However, not all landlords want pets in their rentals, and it’s easy to sympathize with them. Pets accelerate wear and tear in their use areas, resulting in more maintenance, repairs, and replacement. Additionally, pets can cause significant damage, resulting in expensive repairs.

Putting that challenge aside, the American Pet Products Association states that 66% of US households own a pet. Many pet owners need a place to live, and they make up a substantial percentage of the rental market.

In New Zealand, 64% of households have a pet. The British love their animals, and their pet ownership per household is around 57%. Australians take the top position, with 69% of households having one or more pets.

Wherever your rentals are located, our tips will help you pet-proof them to ensure they remain in excellent condition, no matter who lives in them.

Practical Pet-Proofing Strategies

Implementing pet-proofing strategies is a smart way to mitigate wear and tear and ensure you can safeguard your investment while maintaining tenant satisfaction.

Invest In Durable Flooring Options

Investing in durable flooring is a crucial step in pet-proofing your rental property. Pets, particularly dogs and cats, can cause significant wear and tear on floors, especially if they are wood or carpet. Scratches, scuff marks, rips, and tears show up quickly when pets run around.

To avoid these issues, you can consider installing materials such as Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP), which are scratch-resistant, waterproof, and relatively easy to replace in damaged sections. You can lay this type of flooring over it. Alternatively, you can opt for tile that is durable and easy to clean or stained concrete that is highly durable and resistant to scratches.

Use Adequate Wall Protection

Even if animals don’t scratch walls, they will rub against them, leaving undesirable marks. Fortunately, there are many ways to limit the damage and pet-proof your walls to ensure they are easy to clean and always look fresh.

• Use semi-gloss or satin paint: These finishes are easier to clean than matte paint. Many of these paints are also 100% washable, making it easier to wipe them down without leaving any lasting marks.
• Install wainscoting or chair rails: These protective features can safeguard walls from damage at pet height as they help keep them from rubbing against the wall.
• Consider washable wallpaper: This can provide an extra layer of protection and is easy to clean. It’s also applied in strips, so you can replace a strip without redoing a whole wall.

Focus on Pet-Friendly Landscaping

Outdoor spaces can also suffer from pet-related damage, making a property look unkempt or undesirable. You can prevent this by implementing pet-friendly landscaping techniques such as planting pet-resistant, non-toxic plants that are more resilient to walking or climbing over.

You can also set up designated areas for pets to do their business. For example, you can use materials like pea gravel or artificial turf to create sections of the garden that are easier to clean and maintain.

Lastly, ensure fences are secure and high enough to prevent pets from escaping, as this will provide peace of mind for your tenants and their neighbors.

Request Regular Inspections and Maintenance

To ensure your property stays in tip-top condition, your property manager should conduct regular inspections to help you identify and address pet-related damage early. This proactive approach can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems and keep your tenants happy.

Encourage tenants to report any damage immediately so that you can provide the necessary maintenance as it’s needed. If they feel comfortable telling you about an issue, you can act quickly and limit any adverse long-term effects.

Create Clear Pet Policies

In the US, the FU.S.r Housing Act covers assistance animals and service dogs. Assistance animals provide assistance, perform tasks for someone with a disability, or offer emotional support. The Act ensures that landlords cannot discriminate against these pet owners. However, you can create policies in line with these laws that also protect your property.

Establishing clear pet policies is essential for managing expectations and responsibilities and ensuring tenants understand their requirements.

Your pet policies should outline:

• Pet types and sizes allowed: Specify any breed restrictions or weight limits.
• Number of pets: Limit the number of pets per household to prevent overcrowding and excessive wear and tear.
• Pet deposits and fees: A refundable pet deposit and a non-refundable pet fee are charged to cover potential damages and additional cleaning costs.

Summing Up

With the real estate rental market set to grow from $2601 billion in 2023 to $2806 billion in 2024, offering pet-friendly accommodation can provide significant benefits. Not only will you have a larger group of tenants to choose from, but you can also increase tenant retention. However, you must take proactive steps to protect your rentals, or tapping into this market will cost you more than you earn.

Property owners can effectively manage pet-related challenges by implementing durable flooring, protecting walls, adopting pet-friendly landscaping, and establishing clear pet policies. Regular inspections and maintenance will ensure the property remains in good condition, safeguarding your investment and keeping your tenants happy.