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For many renters in Orem, a place to call home isn’t complete without their pets. Cats, dogs, and other animals are often treated like family—and more tenants than ever are seeking housing that reflects that. But while pet-friendly units offer big potential, they can also introduce risk if you're not properly prepared.
That’s where a strong, legally sound pet policy comes in. With the right terms in your lease, you can increase rental income, attract more tenants, and reduce turnover—without sacrificing control of your property. If you’re weighing your options, it helps to understand the pros and cons of pet-friendly leasing before jumping in.
Key Takeaways
- Pet-friendly properties attract more applicants and boost retention.
- Deposits and pet rent can offset potential damages.
- Service animals and emotional support animals are not pets under the law.
- Preventive upgrades help reduce maintenance issues from pet wear and tear.
- Unauthorized pet issues should be handled with consistency and documentation.
Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Are in Demand in Orem
The demand for pet-friendly housing in Orem continues to rise, especially among young professionals, students, and families. With so many pet-owning renters searching for long-term housing, landlords who don’t allow pets often limit their audience—and increase their vacancy times.
Offering a well-managed, pet-inclusive lease can be a smart strategy in a competitive rental market. You’ll reach more qualified tenants and potentially secure longer leases, provided you put clear boundaries and legal safeguards in place.
Benefits of Allowing Pets in Your Rental
Let’s take a look at how pets can benefit—not burden—your rental business when managed properly.
Increased Tenant Applications
Pet-friendly listings receive more online views and inquiries. More interest typically means more applicants, giving you stronger choices.
Lower Vacancy Rates
Pet owners are less likely to move frequently, as it’s harder for them to find suitable housing. That translates into lower turnover for you.
Added Revenue Potential
You can charge pet rent (e.g., $25–$50/month) and a refundable pet deposit (typically $300 or more), which helps cushion wear-and-tear costs.
Better Tenant Satisfaction
Tenants feel more at home when their pets are welcome. They’re often more respectful, responsive, and loyal as a result.
Risks That Come with Pets—and How to Plan for Them
Even well-trained pets can occasionally cause issues. That’s why it’s essential to anticipate potential challenges:
- Property damage like scratched flooring or chewed trim
- Noise disturbances, especially with barking dogs
- Allergens that may affect future renters
- Legal complications if you don’t differentiate between pets and assistance animals
With a clearly written pet policy, you can proactively address these issues and set expectations from day one.
How to Structure a Clear and Enforceable Pet Policy
Every rental agreement should include a detailed pet addendum if animals are allowed. Make sure it addresses these key points:
Pet Screening Details
- Type, size, and breed
- Age and proof of spay/neuter
- Vaccination records
- Pet’s behavior history or previous housing experience
Financial Terms
- Monthly pet rent
- Refundable pet deposit
- Renters insurance requirement with pet-related liability coverage
House Rules for Pet Behavior
- Cleanup requirements for waste
- Noise expectations
- Restrictions on where pets can roam, both indoors and out
Enforcement Protocol
- Written lease violations for unapproved pets
- Clear escalation process for repeated offenses
- Documentation of all communication and property inspections
Policies should be simple, direct, and easy to reference so tenants fully understand the terms.
The Legal Distinction: Pets vs. Support Animals
One of the most important rules to understand is that emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals are not considered pets under federal housing laws.
You cannot:
- Charge fees or deposits for these animals
- Deny housing based on breed or size
- Ask for confidential medical details
You can:
- Request legitimate documentation for ESAs
- Enforce general cleanliness and behavior rules
Not sure how to handle these scenarios? PMI Reliant offers guidance through its accidental landlord tips, which include legal best practices and compliance guidance for Orem rental owners.
Upgrades to Help Minimize Pet-Related Damage
The best way to reduce pet-related repair costs is by preparing your property ahead of time.
- Install hard-surface flooring like vinyl or tile instead of carpet
- Use semi-gloss paint that wipes clean easily
- Recommend tenants use crates or gates when pets are unsupervised
- Require flea treatment as part of move-out cleaning
- Schedule periodic inspections to catch issues early
For even better long-term protection, consider these maintenance strategies for Orem landlords that go beyond pets.
Handling Unauthorized Pets with Professionalism
It’s not uncommon to encounter a tenant who brings in an animal without proper approval. When this happens, it’s important to follow a consistent enforcement approach.
If the tenant is cooperative:
- Offer a lease addendum
- Collect necessary fees and deposits
- Explain pet rules clearly
If the tenant is uncooperative:
- Send a formal lease violation notice
- Document all interactions
- Follow up with further enforcement if needed
Professionalism and consistency are key to protecting your legal standing while resolving issues fairly.
Responsible Pet Policies = Long-Term Rental Success
Allowing pets doesn’t mean inviting chaos—it means inviting opportunity with smart boundaries in place. In Orem’s evolving rental market, flexibility around pets can help you attract higher-quality tenants and reduce vacancy rates.
But it takes more than just good intentions. It takes documentation, regular maintenance, and support from property management experts who understand the nuances of pet-inclusive leasing.
Set the Right Rules with Help from Local Experts
Opening your rental to pets is a win-win when policies are clear and enforcement is consistent. At PMI Reliant, we help Orem landlords develop tailored pet policies, conduct thorough tenant screening, and implement safeguards that protect your investment from unexpected issues.
If you're ready to secure better tenants and minimize risk, get expert tenant screening help from PMI Reliant today.
FAQs
Can I restrict specific dog breeds in Orem rentals?
Yes, but you cannot apply breed restrictions to service or emotional support animals due to federal Fair Housing laws.
Are pet deposits refundable in Utah?
Yes. Pet deposits are typically refundable, but you must document the condition of the property before and after the lease to legally retain any funds.
How often should I inspect pet-friendly units?
Quarterly inspections are a good rule of thumb. Regular visits help you identify issues before they become costly.
Can I ask tenants to carry pet insurance?
Absolutely. Many landlords require renters' insurance with pet liability coverage, and it should be outlined in your lease agreement.
Do emotional support animals count toward my pet limit?
No. ESAs and service animals are not considered pets and cannot be counted against a property’s pet limit or subject to pet fees.
