“A dog is a man’s best friend” has long been a saying to signify the companionship we find with our animals. This statement has never been more applicable to the common household as pet ownership numbers have steadily gone up. Approximately 65% of households own a pet, and a recent survey by Apartments.com has indicated that almost 72% of renters have pets.
As an Orlando landlord, it is important that you are aware of the current trends that can affect your business. The Humane Society of America recently published an article directed at investment homeowners and landlords that summarized the benefits of renting to pet owners, noting that landlords have a bigger applicants pool to select from and that these residents tend to remain longer in a unit, reducing costs of advertising and turnover.
When you work with Real Property Management South Orlando, we help ensure that your property is matched with the perfect residents, and their pets, if you agree to allow this on your property. Learn more about how to pet-proof your Orlando rental property today.
Why You Should Pet-Proof Your Property
One of the primary reasons why you should pet-proof your property is to draw in more excellent and qualified residents that keep our rental property business strong. By anticipating renting to a pet owner, you can make changes to your lease agreement and actual property to prepare for a pet to reside in your rental property.
A lot of landlords worry they will have a “bad pet” and regret accepting them to the property. This can typically be prevented, however, with the right pet screening procedure, which ensures that the pet has been assessed and approved just as a resident would be.
Pet-proofing your property is one of the best ways to limit potential damage to your property. While the security deposit that your resident makes would cover any incurred damage, no one wants to redo the floors or give the walls a new layer of paint before it is needed. In making pet-smart decisions within your rental property, you can avoid this in the first place and rent to homeowners with pets.
How to Pet-Proof Your Property
Nevertheless, whether your property has already been prepared for residents, or if you are currently remodeling, there are various easy ways to pet-proof your property. Save money by using these cost-effective ways to rent to pet owners with fewer possible headaches.
Flooring appears to be the main concern for landlords when renting to pets, worried that their lovely hardwood floor will be destroyed. This can be protected by using polyurethane, which seals wooden floors and protects against these aspects, or you could consider installing laminate flooring that appears like wood flooring but holds up better to traffic when remodeling.
Give some thought to the exterior of your home as well. Think of pet doors or granting the authority to have them installed if you have a fenced yard. Patios and balcony railings can be made safer with gates, plexiglass, etc. Additionally, the paint you use in the home can go a long way to making sure you protect your investment. While flat paint is cheaper to apply, semi-gloss or velvet paint allows for easier wipe-down and clean up when friends have mishaps, furry or otherwise.
Heavy, thick blinds are perfect both to keep your rental property cool during summer and trap heat during winter, but also to protect against an animal pulling down blinds or playing with any delicate cord or fabric. Baby gates may be also used, but this is something you will want to task your resident to provide and protect.
Make the most of these pet-proofing tips for your Orlando rental property and begin seeing the benefits of allowing pets on your property. If you need more information about Real Property Management South Orlando and the services we offer, contact us online or call us at 407-982-2000 today.
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.
