The pet policy you establish as a rental property owner really depends on your comfort level. Try to approach it from the perspective of a business, and put restrictions and rules into place that will welcome tenants who have pets and at the same time protect your property and your financial investment.
Size and Breed
Many Grand Rapids property management companies implement size restrictions when pets are allowed. They might not want any animals over 20 pounds, or perhaps they set the limit at 40 pounds for a cat and 75 pounds for a dog. More important than size is the breed of any dogs you approve. Find out what your insurance company won’t cover. There are nine breeds that insurance companies consider dangerous, so if someone wants to move in with one of those breeds, you’ll have to say no.
Pet Deposits and Fees
Always take the maximum deposit amount when there are animals. In Michigan, you can charge up to a month and a half in security deposits. Whether you have a tenant with a two pound cat or a 50 pound dog, get a deposit that equals a month and a half. You also have the option of collecting a non refundable pet fee in addition to the deposit. You also have the option of collecting extra rent every month. For example, many property managers will charge an extra $50 per month for a dog, and an extra $25 per month for a cat. That gives you additional rent every year that will cover you if there are any damages to your property from the animal.
Pet Licenses
If the pet is a dog, make sure it is licensed. Any animal that is licensed is required to have its shots. You don’t want to rent to a tenant who is trying to beat the system, so make sure dogs have their shots, and ask for proof that the pet is licensed. It’s also imparitive to require that a cat is neutered or spayed. Ask for proof of that as well.
Service Animals
Service animals are not considered pets. Property owners also don’t realize that any animal can be a service animal. There have been snakes, chickens, anything at all. If the tenant has a letter from a doctor that says a snake is a service animal, you have to accept it. This applies to dangerous dog breeds as well. Make sure you get the required documentation, and be prepared. Most people expect dogs, but you need to know a service animal can be anything.
If you have any questions about pets and how to set a pet policy for your rental home, please contact us at United Properties.
Sergio joined United Properties in 2020. He is a graduate from Pickens Technical College as a Nurse Assistant and as a Small Animal Care Provider in 2010. In the past nine years, Sergio has had various jobs, all focused around customer service.
Eden joined United Properties in 2016. Eden graduated from Davenport University in 2015 with an Associate’s in Business Administration. She’s the Executive Assistant to the Owner of United Properties, with a focus on procedural documentation. She enjoys playing guitar, reading, and doing outdoor activities. Eden is trilingual and able to communicate in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language. 
David joined the United Properties team in 2019 as the Director of Client Relations and Business Development. In this capacity, he is responsible for leading all leasing, application underwriting, tenant relations, accounts receivable, process improvement, remote workers, and general office functionality (essentially anything outside of maintenance and service). David comes from a longstanding career at a Fortune 15 company primarily in a sales and customer service leadership role.
Matthew joined the United Properties in early 2020. He is a graduate of Lee University with a bachelor’s in Intercultural Studies and also a master’s in Discipleship and Christian Formation. Matthew serves as a project manager over the Rent Ready process. He has 20 years of construction experience and over 10 years of experience in leadership positions. He oversees a team of technicians and schedules outside vendors getting properties back to the United rent-ready standard so that they can be leased again.
Carla joined United Properties in late 2019 as a billing specialist. Carla ensures invoices are received from contractors and bills them out in a timely fashion.
Cristina joined United Properties as the Accounting and Billing Team Lead in October of 2020. She has experience as a technology professional, an English-Spanish translator, and has worked the past several years as the treasurer of her condominium.
Rick joined United Properties in 2020 as a Service Coordinator and then later transitioned to the Collections team, where his customer service shines. Rick has an extensive background in customer service and enjoys being able to resolve issues. He and his wife are raising their two kids and in his free time, Rick enjoys making his own homemade jerky.
Harriet joined United Properties as a Accounting & Billing Specialist in February of 2021. She has experience as a bookkeeper and a Property Manager for a Real Estate account. She was a working student during her college days. Harriet loves cleaning because she thinks it is therapeutic. She also loves watching series during her free time, and she’s a fur mom of one dog. Her inspiration to work every day is her family.
Diego has an extensive background in customer service and, most recently in Maintenance and
Paulina joined United in early 2021 as a Leasing Assistant. She has a background studying social work, with several years of experience in customer service. She speaks English and Spanish fluently and loves to learn. Paulina enjoys small road trips and cold, rainy weather. Her dog is her favorite thing in the world.
Jessica has a Bachelor’s Degree in Financial strategies and public accounting and is studying a masters in Blockchain and Fintech regulation. She has previous experience as a customer service representative. She speaks English and Spanish. She loves taking long walks with her three dogs, hiking and road tripping during the weekends.
Chris Good is new to the United Properties Team since June 2022 as a Business Development Manager. With years of experience in both the construction industry (Master Electrician) and the Real Estate industry (Broker), he will closely work with new and experienced investors to facilitate their real estate goals.
Melba Alvarez
Enrique Vergara (Henry)
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