Should a Rental Allow Pets? Here’s Why We Say Yes (With a Few Smart Safeguards)

If you’re a landlord, you’ve probably asked yourself: Should I allow pets in my rental property? It’s a fair question. After all, you want to protect your investment, keep your property in great shape, and avoid any unnecessary headaches. But here’s the thing—renting to pet owners can actually be a win-win, as long as you have the right systems in place.

At HLR Property Management, we recommend renting to folks with pets. Why? Because pet owners make up a huge portion of the rental market, and they’re often willing to pay a premium for a pet-friendly home. Plus, tenants with pets tend to stay longer, reducing turnover and vacancy costs. But before you start picturing muddy paw prints on your new carpet, let us explain how we keep things under control.

Pet Screening: Not Just for the Dogs

We don’t just take someone’s word for it when they say their dog is “super chill” or their cat “never scratches.” Every applicant—yes, even the ones without pets—goes through a third-party pet screening service. This isn’t just a quick questionnaire. It’s a thorough process that verifies the type of animal, breed, size, vaccination records, and even temperament.

For those with emotional support animals (ESAs) or service animals, we make sure all documentation is legit and up to date. This way, we’re fully compliant with all laws and regulations. (And just so you know, if it’s a verified ESA or service animal, we can’t charge any pet fees. That’s the law, and we play by the rules.)

Not All Pets Are Created Equal—Enter the Paw Score

Let’s be real: a 100-pound Great Dane and a goldfish are not in the same league. That’s why we use a Paw Score system. Each pet is evaluated and given a score based on risk factors like size, breed, age, and behavior. This helps us set fair, risk-based pet fees and deposits. So, landlords get the maximum income benefits from each pet, and tenants know exactly what to expect. No more one-size-fits-all pet policies!

What About the “No Pets” Crowd?

Here’s a fun fact: we even screen applicants who don’t have pets. Why? Because sometimes, people try to sneak in a furry friend after move-in, or they’re not clear on what “no pets” really means. Our screening process makes sure everyone is on the same page from day one. No surprises, no drama.

The Bottom Line

Allowing pets in your rental doesn’t have to mean chaos and chewed-up baseboards. With the right screening, clear policies, and a little bit of cheeky common sense, you can open your doors to responsible pet owners and boost your rental income at the same time.

Ready to make your property pet-friendly (and headache-free)? Let HLR Property Management handle the details—so you can enjoy the benefits, paws and all.