Overview
Pet screening helps landlords evaluate prospective tenants’ pets to ensure property safety, reduce risk, and maintain compliance with fair housing laws. By understanding the process and its benefits, small to mid-sized landlords can welcome responsible pet owners while protecting their investments.
What Is Pet Screening?
Pet screening is a structured evaluation of a tenant’s pet, covering health, behavior, breed considerations, and legal status (e.g., service animals and emotional support animals). It gives landlords confidence that a pet will be a good fit for the rental property and will not cause damage or nuisances.
How Pet Screening Works
- Pet Application: Tenants submit a pet profile alongside their rental application, detailing breed, age, weight, vaccination records, and behavioral history.
- Document Review: Landlords verify veterinary records, check for breed restrictions under insurance or property policies, and confirm no known behavioral issues.
- Behavioral Assessment: In-person or virtual meetings may be arranged to observe basic commands and temperament in the rental environment.
- Lease Addendum and Fees: Approved pets are included via a pet addendum with any applicable pet rent, pet deposit, or one-time fees to cover potential damages.
- Ongoing Oversight: Regular inspections and clear communication help ensure pets continue to comply with lease terms.
Legal Requirements
Landlords must comply with federal and state laws when screening pets:
- Fair Housing Act (FHA): Requires reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities who need emotional support animals (ESAs), without charging pet fees or deposits.
- Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA): Covers service animals, exempting them from standard pet restrictions and additional fees.
- Local Regulations: City or state laws may dictate noise control, leash requirements, or waste management policies for rental properties.
Benefits for Landlords
- Risk Mitigation: Screenings reduce damage and noise complaints by verifying pet behavior and health.
- Increased Revenue: Pet rent and deposits help offset maintenance costs and attract a larger tenant pool.
- Consistent Process: Standardized screening ensures fairness and documentation for dispute resolution.
Benefits for Tenants
- Access to Pet-Friendly Homes: Demonstrating a well-behaved pet improves approval chances.
- Transparent Expectations: Clear policies and fees eliminate surprises and build trust.
- Faster Approval: Complete pet profiles and documentation streamline the move-in process.
Best Practices
- Use a Standardized Form: Collect consistent information on all pets to prevent discrimination.
- Stay FHA-Compliant: Handle ESA and service animal requests promptly and without fees.
- Communicate Clearly: Outline pet rules, fees, and addendum clauses in the lease agreement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
Implementing a thorough pet screening process allows landlords to balance pet-friendly policies with property protection. By following best practices and staying compliant, small to mid-sized landlords can expand their tenant base, boost revenue, and maintain safe, well-managed properties.
Ready to streamline your tenant and pet screening? Schedule a demo today! today and manage your entire rental process in one place.
