As a Chattanooga rental property owner, it's important to understand renters' rights and create lease agreements that make your property more desirable. This is a great way to increase lease renewals and cut down on tenant turnover.
Creating a desirable lease agreement often means allowing pets in your rentals. However, even if you don't have a pet-friendly rental, you can't discriminate against applicants with service or emotional support animals.
What's the difference between a pet versus an assistant animal? Read on to find out.
What to Know About Pet-Friendly Rentals
Did you know that 72% of renters these days have at least one pet? That means that if you aren't opening your rental units up to pets, you could be limiting yourself to a mere quarter of potential applicants.
That said, allowing pets doesn't mean you have to let your property turn into a zoo. Many landlords limit pets based on size, type, or number. For example, you might only allow cats or only allow one dog per unit.
Allowing pets in your tenancy agreement is also a great way to increase the value of your rental. Pet owners don't have unlimited options and are often willing to pay a little more to find a home for their companion.
How Service and Support Animals Differ From Pets
Regardless of your stance on pets, you can't discriminate against applicants or tenants with service or support animals. Unlike pets, assistance animals are part of the accommodations for disabled tenants protected by HUD.
You do have some options when it comes to verifying that an animal is an assistance animal. You may ask applicants or tenants for proof of registration. This may come in the form of service animal paperwork or something simpler, like a note from a doctor.
Many disabilities are invisible, but that doesn't give landlords the right to know more. You may not ask questions about disabilities or ask for proof of disabilities.
Creating a Pet-Friendly Lease
If you decide to allow pets in your rental, there are a few things to consider in terms of property maintenance. For example, you may want to include a non-refundable pet fee in your lease. If any pet-related damage exceeds the amount of your pet fee, you may be able to withhold all or part of the tenant's security deposit.
If a tenant has an assistance animal, you can't charge a pet fee. Once again, assistance animals aren't considered pets under federal law.
Call PMI Chattanooga for More Property Management Help
As a Chattanooga rental property owner, knowing the difference between pets and service or support animals is crucial. While you have a right to say no to pets in your rental, you can't discriminate against tenants with service or support animals.
Keeping up with federal, state, and local laws as a rental owner isn't always easy. PMI Chattanooga property managers know renters' rights and landlords' rights back and forth thanks to our years of experience in rental real estate. Contact us to find out how our services can make your life easier.
