Pet Policy – The Next Best Thing For Your Property!

Nowadays, it is all about the amenities you offer to your potential tenants and residents. Sure, you can provide an in-unit washer and dryer, guest parking options, and even a concierge service, but there is one highly desired amenity that will set you apart from other properties; a pet-friendly policy. It will not shock you when I state that Millennials are all about their beloved four-legged friends. Thus, it is crucial to find ways to cater to these prospective residents.

Property management: are you looking for ways to beat your competition and lure in new tenants & residents to your property? Then, read this quick blog on a suggested pet-friendly policy & amenities for your property!

Pet Policy

Property management often writes off pet policies as they cannot justify the potential damage these pets would incur on the property. Yet if you sit and think about it, the pros certainly outweigh the cons. With a pet-friendly policy, your potential incoming tenant pool deepens, your property will experience more renewals, and more money will be made. Furthermore, there are measures to protect your property from possible damages.

First, you can charge a monthly reoccurring fee from the tenant to have a pet in their unit (ranging from $50-$100). Second, you can also require a security deposit up-front for any potential damage that may occur during their time with your property (ranging from $100-$500). Finally, if it is the breed that worries you the most, you can place breed restrictions. Often, property owners don’t allow breeds such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Wolf Dogs, Canary Mastiffs & Doberman Pinschers. If your tenant has a mixed breed and you are still a little hesitant, you can even request a DNA test performed by a vet. Pet policies are structured to protect your property; they are also built to be inclusive to pet owners.

Pet-Friendly Neighborhood

Are there parks near your property? Is there a pet store nearby? Do you have a vet in your neighborhood? If the answer is yes to all of these questions, it is a good idea to have a pet policy at your property. Pet owners do their homework before moving into a new neighborhood. If there is a vet a couple of blocks away, a pet store where they can quickly find some dog or cat food that they are running low on, and a park for their dog to run around, then it will be a no-brainer for these pet-owners to sign a lease with your property.

Pet Amenities

Are you already sold on adding a pet policy for your property? Here are some additional pet amenities that will set your property apart from other pet-friendly properties. First, a dog run with complimentary poop bags and waste disposal stations is desirable for potential renters. Living in a multi-unit building is sometimes a hassle for dog owners who have to let their dogs out to do their business every few hours. Accordingly, having a dog run, where dogs can be off-leash doing their business, on the property can certainly alleviate some of those struggles.

Second, a pet washing station will undoubtedly be a highly value-added perk. Dog owners can attest that there is no bigger hassle than bringing a muddy dog into an apartment. Providing a designated dog washing station will alleviate that stress and is a huge selling point for any property owner.

Access Control for Dog Walkers & Sitters

Do you want to further set yourself apart from competitors? By making your property easily accessible to dog walkers, sitters, and groomers, you further simplify your tenants’ lives. Take, for example, pet-friendly buildings that do not have an access control system in place. Yes, they allow pets, but facilities like these are missing a crucial step. Without an access control system, companies and apps such as Wag! and Rover cannot access the building. Unless pet owners want to go through the pain of making a copy of their key (if allowed), convenient dog-walking and animal sitting apps are not even an option for these tenants. With ParqEx, our Access + technology will enable residents and their approved visitors (approved by property management) to open any door, garage door, gate, and elevator all from their smartphone.

A strong pet policy guarantees a more significant demand from Millennial pet owners, generates more revenue for the property, and ultimately increases the chance of renewals as not every property allows pets. Additionally, through the use of ParqEx’s Access + control system, property owners will improve security and control of their entire property, all while adding pet-oriented amenities for tenants.

Reach out to ParqEx today for more information on Access +! We look forward to helping you and your pet-friendly property.