What Is A Pet Screening For Rentals? (Guide for Landlords)

Pets are part of many renter’s families. As of US Pet Ownership Statistics 2024, 89 million homes own at least one pet, indicating the booming demand for pet-friendly rentals. Thus, a landlord has to establish an effective pet screening process when evaluating prospective tenants with pets. Pet screening verifies a tenant’s ability to care for their pet and minimize risks to the rental property. It helps landlords feel confident entrusting tenants with pets and avoiding potential issues. In this article, I will talk about what is a pet screening for rentals and how to conduct the process effectively to keep your rental properties pet-friendly.

How Does Pet Screening Work?

When a potential tenant applies for a rental application on a property that allows pets, the landlord or property manager requires the tenant to complete a pet screening application. The tenant must provide complete information about their pet, such as breed, age, size, weight, and temperament. Proof of vaccination and spay/neuter status also must be included.

Then, a pet interview is conducted over the phone or in person. The landlord asks the tenant questions about their pet’s temperament and behavior. They may also ask the tenant to provide references from their veterinarian and previous landlords.

If the landlord is concerned about the pet’s temperament or behavior, they may request the tenant to complete a pet background check. This check is generally conducted by a third-party service hired by the landlord. The pet background check will look for any history of aggressive or destructive behavior.

Once the landlord has completed the pet screening process, they weigh the pros and cons of allowing pets to decide whether or not to approve the pet. If the pet is approved, the tenant can move into the rental property with their pet.

Benefits of Conducting Pet Screening For Rentals

The main reason to implement thorough pet screening is risk management. Pet screening involves evaluating a pet’s behavior, health, and compliance with your property rules, ultimately leading to a smoother rental experience for both tenants and landlords. Here are some benefits of conducting effective pet screenings for landlords:

• Minimizes risk of destructive pets that can damage the rental unit through scratching, biting, stains, etc. Proper screening allows landlords to identify and decline high-risk applicants.
• Reduces noise disturbances and neighbor complaints that can occur from pets that excessively bark, cry, or make other disruptive noises. Screening provides insight into how an applicant has managed pet noises in the past.
• Lowers chances of pet odors permeating the rental unit when irresponsible pet owners fail to properly clean and dispose of pet waste. Screening questions help determine an applicant’s waste cleanup diligence.
• Lessens possibility of injury or attacks since screening can identify aggressive dog breeds or prior incidents of biting other residents or pets. Landlords can reasonably reject applicants in cases of known aggression.
• Upholds community rules and regulations by only accepting pets meeting requirements like licensing, vaccination records, no restricted breeds, etc. Screening allows verification of compliance.
• Helps avoid discriminatory denials or evictions down the road. Standardized screening procedures applied evenly to all pet-owning applicants reduces fair housing risks.
• Can allow higher rents and pet fees by permitting pets responsibly. Screening is crucial for this upside to outweigh the risks.

Recommended: To ensure your rental property remains in excellent condition, consider how to protect carpet from pets.

How to Conduct a Pet Screening: Step-By-Step Guide For Landlords

Many tenants view their pets as family. As a landlord, you want to accommodate pet owners while also protecting your investment. Proper pet screening is crucial when evaluating prospective tenants with pets. Follow these steps to effectively screen tenants with pets while balancing legal considerations and minimizing risks:

1). Establish Clear Pet Policies: First, start by setting well-defined pet policies addressing allowed pets and include this in all rental listings and communications with applicants. This forms a contractual basis for screening and denying problematic pets.

Main details to establish upfront include:

• The types and number of pets allowed (e.g., cats, small dogs)
• Breed restrictions prohibiting aggressive dogs
• Weight limits disallowing large dog breeds
• Any pet application or pet rent fees required

Also, be transparent about your pet-related fees like deposits, monthly pet rent, and application fees of rental property so applicants know the costs upfront.

2). Use a Rental Application Requiring Pet Information: Have all applicants complete a detailed pet section when submitting their rental application, requesting information such as:

• Type of pet (cat, dog, etc.)
• Breed, weight, and full-grown size
• Pet age and how long owned
• License and vaccination status
• Vet contact information
• Emergency caretaker contact info

Thorough applications provide initial pet history. Follow up with vet and caretaker references to verify through further screening.

Also Read: Rental History Verification Process

3). Conduct a Pet Interview: Arrange a meeting with both the prospective tenant and their pet. This can be an opportunity to observe the pet’s behavior, temperament, socialization skills, or any potential concerns. A well-behaved pet is a strong indicator of a responsible owner.

Screening Questions to Ask Tenants with Pets

• Is your pet housebroken and spayed/neutered?
• How is your pet around other animals and strangers?
• Has your pet received professional obedience training?
• Has your pet ever shown aggressive behaviors or caused injury/damage?
• Who will care for your pet when you travel?

Listen closely to answers and observe how the tenant handles the pet during showings.

4). Required Documents for Proofing: To back up written and verbal pet history, require documents including:

• Proof of current rabies and other vaccinations
• City license showing pet is registered
• Documentation of neutering/spaying
• Previous rental references commenting on the pet
• Signed veterinary records release form

Review documents to verify pet care history and owner truthfulness.

5). Use Pet Screening Services: Take advantage of third-party pet screening services like petscreening.com that provide useful background information on tenant pets for a modest fee, searching records such as:

• Past landlord complaints or rental violations
• Known aggressive behavior incidents
• Veterinary records of injuries caused to people or animals
• City animal control violations.

This independent data helps surface red flags like bites or property damage.

6). Check References on Past Pet Behavior: Request references from current and former landlords or neighbors about the pet behavior of applicants. Look for complaints about the tenant’s pet, including any damage caused, odors, noise, aggression, housebreaking accidents or rule violations, etc. Positive references assure the pet’s suitability for your property.

These pet-related red flags can disqualify them:

• History of biting, aggressive behavior, or causing injury
• Poor veterinary care or lack of spaying/neutering
• Records of chronic noise, barking, or neighbor complaints
• Causing previous property damage or rental non-compliance
• Inability to provide vet records or emergency caretakers
• Lawsuits or evictions related to the pet are also disqualifying.

7). Implement a Pet Agreement: Finally, create a formal pet agreement outlining all rules, regulations, and tenant liability regarding pet-related behavior and pet security deposits. This document protects both parties and provides clarity on issues such as pet damage, noise, and cleanliness. Also learn, pet screening for rentals

Are Tenants’ Pets Treated Differently in Screening?

Yes, service animals and emotional support animals are treated differently in the Screening process from tenants’ simple pets, as they are protected under Fair Housing Laws and Regulations.

Tenants’ Pets: The tenant keeps these pets for companionship. Generally, landlords have the right to prohibit these pets in their rental properties. They can also set rules and restrictions regarding pet ownership, such as types, breed restrictions, size limits, additional pet fees, or deposits.

Service Animals: Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for individuals with disabilities. Under housing law, they are not considered pets but working animals assisting their owners. Service animals are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and landlords are generally required to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities who have service animals, even if the rental agreement prohibits pets. Oklahoma Service Dog Laws provide further clarification on the rights and regulations surrounding service animals in rental properties.

Emotional Support Animals (ESAs): Emotional Support Animals provide comfort and emotional support to individuals with mental health disabilities. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specific training to perform tasks. Hence, landlords must often make reasonable accommodations for tenants with ESAs under the Fair Housing Act, even with no pet policy. However, landlords have the right to request documentation for disability verification from a qualified healthcare provider and the need for ESAs. For more information, see our article on whether a landlord can limit emotional support animals.

Conclusion

Pet screening for rentals is a win-win situation for both property owners and tenants. It promotes responsible pet ownership and ensures a peaceful community. Remember, a well-structured pet policy and screening process are the keys to ensuring a positive rental experience for everyone involved.

FAQs on Pet Screening