Unapproved Pets: How to Handle Unauthorized Furry (or Scaly) Tenants in Your Rentals 🐶🐱🐍
Pets can be a great revenue boost for property managers who charge pet rent and deposits—but what about those unapproved pets that sneak in under the radar? Whether it’s a tenant who “forgot” to mention their Great Dane or a surprise discovery during an inspection, unauthorized pets can lead to property damage, liability issues, and lease violations.
Instead of scrambling every time you find an unapproved pet, a clear policy and process will help you handle these situations fairly, consistently, and profitably. That’s exactly what we’re covering in this latest PMAssist Insider lesson—plus, we’re giving you a FREE LeadSimple automation process to track and manage violations! 🚀
Why You Need a Strong Unapproved Pet Policy
Let’s face it—tenants aren’t always upfront about their pets. Some assume they can sneak them in, others don’t realize certain restrictions apply, and a few just don’t want to pay pet fees.
A clear, enforceable pet policy ensures:
✅ Consistent enforcement – No playing favorites or making case-by-case decisions.
✅ Protection for owners & properties – Unapproved pets can cause damage or liability risks.
✅ Revenue opportunities – Pet fees, deposits, and fines keep things fair for compliant tenants.
✅ Legal protection – Documenting pet violations reduces risk if an issue escalates.
💡 Pro Tip: Your lease should include explicit pet policies and outline the consequences of having unauthorized animals.
How to Find Unapproved Pets 🕵️♂️
You don’t have to be Sherlock Holmes to spot unauthorized pets—just use a proactive approach:
🔍 Routine Inspections: Always look for signs of pets (food bowls, fur, odors) during inspections.
📸 Maintenance Reports: Train vendors to report pet evidence during service calls.
🚪 Neighbor Complaints: Tenants often report unapproved pets when they cause noise or damage.
🛑 Online Clues: Some tenants slip up by posting their pets on social media or pet-sitting apps.
The sooner you find unapproved pets, the easier it is to enforce your policy before damage occurs.
Fees & Handling Pet Damage Guarantees
Once you confirm an unauthorized pet, it’s time to enforce your policy. Common approaches include:
✔ Unapproved Pet Fee: Charge a violation fee for having an unapproved pet in the unit.
✔ Backdated Pet Rent: Require tenants to pay pet rent from the time the pet was first discovered.
✔ Pet Deposit or Pet Damage Guarantee: If you allow the pet to stay, require a deposit or enroll them in a pet damage guarantee program.
✔ Lease Violation Consequences: If tenants refuse to comply, issue a formal lease violation notice and escalate as needed.
💡 Pro Tip: If your local laws allow, charging higher fees for unauthorized pets than for approved ones incentivizes honesty.
Conducting a Pet Inspection 🏠🐾
Once a pet is identified, a pet-specific inspection can help assess damage and compliance:
🔹 Check for damage (scratched floors, odors, chewed trim, excessive fur).
🔹 Confirm pet details (size, breed, number of animals—some tenants “forget” the extra ones).
🔹 Ensure compliance with local laws (vaccinations, licensing, breed restrictions).
If the pet doesn’t meet policy standards, you’ll need to enforce lease terms or discuss options for removal.
Automating the Process: FREE LeadSimple Workflow
Tracking unapproved pet violations manually can be a nightmare. That’s why we’re giving PMAssist Insider members a ready-to-use LeadSimple workflow to:
✅ Log pet violations & track compliance
✅ Automatically notify tenants of fees & next steps
✅ Schedule follow-up inspections
✅ Maintain documentation for legal protection
📢 Want access to this automation? It’s included in PMAssist Insider! Get it here: bit.ly/pmainsider
Final Thoughts: Enforce Pet Policies Fairly & Profitably
Unapproved pets don’t have to be a hassle—with a clear policy, a proactive inspection process, and automated tracking, you can handle unauthorized pets efficiently and profitably.
📢 Want the full guide + FREE automation tools?
Join PMAssist Insider and get the LeadSimple workflow to manage unapproved pets effortlessly!
Have you ever discovered a surprising pet in one of your rentals? 🐍🐢🐦 Share your wildest stories in the comments! ⬇️
