With more than half of all renters having at least one pet, allowing animals at your rental property can be a wise decision that lets you reach more potential tenants and even net a higher rental income.
However, pets can and do cause damage to homes, so conducting a thorough inspection when a tenant with one or more animals leaves is crucial. An inspection will help you identify common types of damage and determine if withholding the pet deposit is appropriate.
Here are a few essential steps to take when inspecting your rental property for pet damage and determining when to apply the pet deposit.
Prepare Documentation
Documenting your pet inspection is essential. Proper documentation ensures you inspect the entire unit and make note of the condition of each area, complete with photos or videos if necessary. This will serve as evidence if there are disputes with tenants or if you need to retain the pet deposit for damage.
For your documentation, you should have a checklist for all areas of the property, including the outdoor space, if applicable. You’ll also need a camera (or your smartphone) to take photos and videos of potential areas of damage. Make sure to note the date and time of the inspection and take detailed voice or written notes.
Inspect Key Areas
When conducting the inspection, it’s crucial to inspect main areas as well as less common ones. Since animals can damage less obvious parts of the property, make sure to examine:
Doors and windows. Look for claw marks or chewing damage around the frames.
Flooring. Carefully inspect the flooring for scratches, stains, and odors.
Walls and baseboards. Animals may chew or scratch trim and walls.
Yard or patio. Inspect the yard or outdoor space for holes, damaged plants or landscaping, and pet waste.
If your property is furnished, you may also need to look under furniture, rugs, or other items to identify potential areas of pet damage.
Determine If the Pet Deposit Applies
The decision to use the pet deposit should be based on your inspection findings. For example, minor wear and tear are expected in any rental property, but if there is significant damage from animals, this warrants keeping part or all of the deposit based on the value of the damage.
Significant damage could include large, deep scratches on floors or walls, chew marks on trim or drywall, urine stains or smells, and damaged landscaping.
If the property is unusually dirty from pets, a deep cleaning may be necessary to remove odors and stains. While professional cleaning is recommended between tenants, a deep clean may require the pet deposit to be used.
Communicate With Tenants
After the inspection, provide the tenant with a detailed report of your findings. If you plan to use any portion of the pet deposit, clearly explain the reasons and provide an itemized list of deductions, along with any evidence you’ve gathered. Open communication can help prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes during tenant turnover.
Consider Policy Updates If Needed
Depending on your experience renting to tenants with pets and pet damage, you may need to consider refining your pet policies for future renters. For example, you might consider:
Higher pet deposits for multiple pets or larger animals
Regular pet inspections to catch issues early and potentially prevent more severe damage
Restrictions on the size or number of animals allowed in the property
Let PROMAX Management Handle Your Property Inspections
Conducting thorough pet inspections is essential for protecting your property and ensuring fair treatment of tenants. Let PROMAX Management maintain your investment property in Northern Virginia to support positive relationships with pet-owning tenants. Contact us today to learn more about our professional property management services at (703) 642-5683.
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