Setting a pet policy is important for anyone with a Las Vegas rental property, because you need to establish what you will allow and not allow when it comes to having pets inside your house. As you consider what kind of pet policy you want to establish, it is important to understand that over 55 percent of the population has a pet. Many of the tenants moving into Las Vegas rental properties are displaced homeowners, and often they will have pets that they love and want to take with them.
First, check with your insurance carrier. There may be restrictions on what types of pets they will allow on your property while you are covered. Some insurance carriers will not cover dog breeds that are considered dangerous or aggressive. You can use that information in your pet policy, and incorporate any other restrictions or guidelines. For example, many pet policies will allow dogs up to 20 pounds or up to 40 pounds. Decide what types of animals you will allow, how many of them are acceptable and what the size or breed restrictions might include.
Once you determine what types of animals you will allow in your house, be sure to take a deposit on that pet. Instead of collecting a separate pet deposit, simply increase the amount of the security deposit you would normally collect to cover the animal and any damage it might cause. The amount will vary, and depends on the type of pet and the number of pets you agree to allow. Finally, make sure the pet you have approved gets a good bill of health from the vet. If you require proof that the pet is healthy, you can protect your property as well as any future tenants you might have after this current tenant and the pet. For example, you do not want to have a dog or a cat that has fleas, because those fleas can get into your carpet and cause expensive problems now and in the future. So, ask your tenant to get some kind of documentation from the animal's vet that shows it is a good pet and free from any health problems or diseases that you don't want in your property.
If you have any questions on how to establish a pet policy that is fair to the tenants with pets and still protects your property, contact us at Blackbird Realty. We can be reached at (702) 792-8077. We look forward to helping you.