About two-thirds of Americans own pets, and almost all (97%) consider them family members.
It's no wonder many pet owners want to take their pets wherever they go, including on vacations. So, by allowing pets in a rental property, you can increase your prospective guest or short-term tenant pool.
However, you must also remember that pets can make property management more challenging.
To that end, we created this guide sharing vacation rental property management tips to help you manage pets in your Fort Myers rentals. So read on, as they can help you create effective pet-friendly rental policies.
Never Allow Animals Prohibited as Pets
Florida law classifies wildlife and animals into Class I, II, and III. Class I animals, including many big cats and Komodo dragons, pose an actual or potential threat to humans. Anyone keeping them as pets is breaking the law.
You want your guests to be law-abiding citizens, so always screen them and their pets.
Interview Guests With Pets
Before allowing pets in rentals, interview your short-term Fort Myers rental property tenants or guests with their pets. This way, you can see the animals face-to-face, monitor their behavior, and confirm how well-groomed they are. It also lets you gauge whether a prospective guest is a responsible "pet parent."
Verify Vaccination Records
Effective pet policies for rentals include requiring copies of pets' vaccination records. You should ask for these during the screening process or before renting your home to travelers. Examples of must-have vaccinations are for rabies, leptospirosis, distemper, and hepatitis.
Require Pet Insurance
Even well-trained cats and dogs can have "pet accidents" and cause property damage. The cuddliest, sweetest dogs can also bite when provoked.
Those are all good enough reasons to require pet insurance for your pet-friendly rentals in Fort Myers. It should cover pet-caused damage and provide liability coverage for animal bites.
Charge Pet Fees and Deposits
Pet fees are non-refundable flat fees you can charge and use to cover the cost of cleaning your rental after a stay. You can adjust this depending on the type, breed, and number of pets your guests bring to your property.
On the other hand, a pet deposit is refundable and will cover potential pet-caused damage. If your pet-owning guests or short-term renters leave your house in the same condition as when they checked in, you can refund their deposit.
Responsible pet owners, especially those with cats or dogs, are willing to pay these fees. After all, they know how challenging it can be to clean up after their furry family members.
Follow These Tips When Allowing Pets in a Rental Property
Following the tips above can help increase your guest pool and reduce the risks of allowing pets in a rental property. So, implement them before you welcome your next pet-owning guest or short-term renter.
If you need help managing your vacation rental properties in Fort Myers, PMI Gulf Property Solutions should be your go-to. We're a full-service, short-term management company run by six experienced property management franchise owners. With our combined knowledge, experience, and expertise, we can help maximize your rental income.
So, contact us today for a consultation! We look forward to helping you create a warm, welcoming, pet-friendly rental business.
