Having a Pet-Friendly Rental Property Can Increase Rent Revenue

As a residential rental property owner, your goal is to add to your cash flow by increasing revenue and decreasing expenses. Often Grand Rapids property owners feel that by allowing their tenants to have pets in their rental units, the property value will decrease and maintenance costs will increase so your cash flow is ultimately hurt. However, studies have shown that with fewer unit vacancy days, added premium pet deposits, and minimum actual damage to property, allowing a pet-friendly rental property in truth increases your investment’s cash flow.

Pet-Friendly Policies Decrease Vacancy Days

Studies have shown that 62% of Americans are pet owners. The majority of those pet owners own dogs.  Pets are usually seen as valued members of the family and can influence the choices of where a family ultimately lives. However, the truth of the matter is that there aren’t all that many pet-friendly rentals out there. By adopting a pet-friendly policy for your rental unit, you open the door to many more possible tenants. Immediately you can see the benefits of faster renting, decreasing your days of vacancy. Once a tenant knows they are in a comfortable, pet-friendly home, they will more likely want to stay in one place. Less tenant turnover time also gives fewer vacancy days for Grand Rapids property owners. With Real Property Management Investment Solutions, fewer vacancy days means greater cash flow.

NO Risk of Greater Damages Caused by Pets

Studies of pet owners in rental property have shown that the actual damage caused to property by pets isn’t much higher than normal damages caused by tenants who don’t own pets. Pet deposits required at leasing can more than cover any pet-related damages, so the risk for allowing pets is low.

Customize your Policies

Many Grand Rapids property owners are concerned about potential damages and increased insurance costs when rental units allow for pets. A non-profit animal group FIREPAW has developed a companion Animal Renters Program (CARP) that can help create individual pet programs, customized pet policies, and pet agreements for your leasing situation. They have dispelled the negative myths around pets and renting, helping both landlords and tenants work together to establish more pet-friendly renting options.

Real Property Management Investment Solutions is an experienced Grand Rapids property management company that can take care of the needs of all your tenants and provide an environment that makes tenants feel at home.