Many Charleston area landlords are automatically less than
enthusiastic when they hear a prospective tenant’s question, “Do you allow
pets?” Small wonder. The specter of damage from unsupervised four-footed
co-inhabitants is a real possibility (despite the assurances of their doting
masters).
Yet that kind of automatic landlord reaction might turn
out to actually result in a questionable business decision. Some undeniably real
benefits can accrue to those who open their Charleston rental home to tenants
who own pets.
Don’t believe it? Here are just some of the reasons why
renting a home to a strong applicant with a well-cared-for, healthy pet can
benefit both parties:
1.
Widens
the Number of Potential Candidates Allowing
pets into a rental home materially increases the eligible applicant pool,
giving an Charleston area rental home owner more latitude to select the best applicant.
How many more become eligible? I checked this, and came up with jaw-dropping
numbers. 47% of households own at least one dog (not to mention the 95,000,000
million owned cats). The numbers prove what we know already: a huge number of
Americans are ga-ga over their pets.
2.
Respectful
Tenants A Firepaw.org
survey comparing pet owners with non-animal-owning tenants showed that, on
average, damage done to rental properties is about equal between the two
groups. The takeaway from that is the biggest surprise: just because pets are
living in your rental home in Charleston, SC doesn’t mean that the property
will suffer. It seems that grateful pet-loving renters just try harder to keep
the property in good condition. They do the worrying for you.
3.
Higher
Rent Renters with
pets can be willing to pay some additional rent for the privilege of keeping their
furry loved ones with them. Pet-owning renters are not likely to shy away from Charleston
rental home listings that specifically allow pets — even when a “pet rent” or
other fee is part of the bargain.
If you are considering buying an income property next year,
I provide resources for my clients every step of the way. I hope you’ll feel
free to contact me anytime with your Charleston, SC real estate questions.
Interested in selling your
Charleston area home? Visit: www.jeffcookrealestate.com
Interested in buying a Charleston
area home? Visit: www.discovercharlestonareahomes.com
-Jeff Cook
Jeff Cook Real Estate
Charleston, SC
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