Pets and the DFW Property Manager

Many people are animal lovers and want to lease rental properties with DFW property management that allows pets. For most property management firms in DFW there are some pets that are usually allowed such as birds, fish and some reptiles. These types of pets are generally allowed because they are kept in a cage and aren't as messy as dogs and cats.

If you have just begun your real estate investment journey and are providing your own apartment management in DFW, then you will have to determine whether or not you are going to allow pets in your rental properties. There is no right or wrong answer as this is completely your decision. However, there are a few things you might want to consider as you contemplate this issue.

1. Restricting pets may make it tougher to find renters. Anytime property management firms in DFW place restrictions on things tenants can and cannot do/have, they shrink the number of interested prospects down considerably. This is especially true with pets as most animal lovers will choose another rental before giving up their pets, which can make it more difficult to find a tenant for your rental.
   
   
2. You can allow pets when specific rules are met. One way to compromise with your tenants who wish to have pets is to place specific rules that must be followed before a tenant can have a pet. For instance, if you are going to allow cats, you can insist that the cat is declawed. For dogs, you can limit it to breeds that only weigh a certain amount, aren't vicious in nature and must be approved by you or your DFW property manager before the dog is allowed on the property.
   
   
3. Non-refundable deposits are normal. The major concern you may have about allowing tenants to have pets (cats and dogs particularly) is the repairs that your DFW property management will have to make once the tenant moves out. This is why the majority of investors require tenants to pay a non-refundable deposit down if they are going to have a pet. This deposit should be enough to cover the cost of having the carpets professionally cleaned and cover a few small repairs.
   
   
4. Pets can have a positive influence on tenants. Of course, you have to consider the business responsibilities of allowing pets in your units, but also take into consideration the positive influence pets are known for. It's been shown that people who have dogs generally live longer than those who don't because dogs can make their owners' lives happier. Part of providing good apartment management in DFW is keeping tenants happy. If you have tenants who are animal lovers and you allow them to have a pet, as long as they follow the rules, then not only will they be happier, but they will most likely lease from you longer.