Have you ever wondered why people own pets? The trend is clear: animal ownership continues to rise in popularity. Many pet owners benefit from emotional connection, comfort, and companionship when it comes to their animal friends.
When you own a rental property, there's no doubt pets are an important consideration. But there are many other factors to consider when it comes to animals.
In this article, we'll cover the three main types of animals your tenants may have:
- Pets
- Service animals
- Emotional support animals
Read on to learn more.
Pets
Although pets are great for mental health, they can also be a pain for landlords. Some of the most common types of pets include:
- Cats
- Dogs
- Birds
- Fish
- Reptiles
Since pets aren't protected under the law, it is up to you as a landlord to decide whether you allow them. If you do decide to have pets, you can dictate pet ownership responsibilities.
Pet deposits and pet rent are two ideal solutions to accommodate tenants but still protect your investment. A pet deposit is an initial fee, along with the security deposit, that covers damages from pets. Pet rent is an additional monthly cost associated with keeping the pet.
Something to think about when it comes to pets is whether you want to find and keep great tenants. It may be worth it in the long run to allow pets if it means you don't have to find new residents.
Service Animals
Unlike pets, service animals have legal protection. As a landlord, you must accommodate tenants with service animals under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Service animal benefits can vary widely depending on the individual's needs. Some service animals assist their owners with everyday tasks, while others can sense impending seizures or emergency medical events.
Owners with service animals may require accommodations such as a ground-floor unit or adequate space for their animals to play and relieve themselves.
Emotional Support Animals
You may have heard the term "emotional support animals" as a new trend in pet ownership lately. When it comes to service vs. emotional support animals, there are some key differences.
There are no specific support animal laws with the same protection as the ADA. However, tenants with paperwork to prove their animal is an ESA aren't legally obligated to pay pet rent or a pet deposit.
Emotional support animals don't have designated tasks equal to those of service animals. However, they provide therapeutic support to their owners and help manage conditions such as anxiety.
Make the Best Decision for Your Properties
If you're a property owner, it can be a tough decision to allow pets in your properties. Remember, for support animals and service animals, you need to accommodate your tenants to avoid legal repercussions.
For New Jersey landlords, PMI North Jersey is the partner you need to navigate those challenges. Our independently owned and operated property management company is dedicated to helping our clients maximize profitability.
Ready to get started? Reach out to us today to schedule your free rental analysis.
