Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental Property?

Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental Property?

For many rental property owners, deciding whether to allow pets can feel like a choice between attracting more residents and protecting the property from additional risk. Pets can cause damage, create noise, and lead to odor or allergy concerns. However, excluding pets can significantly reduce the number of renters who will consider a property.

According to the American Pet Products Association, 95 million U.S. households owned at least one pet in 2025. For many renters, their pets are members of the family. Finding a home that welcomes them is often one of the most important factors in deciding where to live.

At D&A, Inc., we generally recommend allowing pets when the property is a good fit. The right pet policy depends on the property’s size, layout, yard, location, and other characteristics.

Pet Friendly Properties Can Attract More Renters

In our local rental market, we see homes that allow pets lease faster than comparable homes that do not. We also see properties remain available longer when pets are not permitted.

Allowing pets gives owners access to a larger pool of prospective residents. It may also encourage residents to remain in the home longer because finding another suitable rental that accepts their pets can be difficult.

Longer tenancies can mean fewer vacancies, fewer turnovers, and lower leasing expenses. These benefits can have a positive effect on the property’s net operating income.

Pet Policies Should Fit the Property

Allowing pets does not mean every property must accept every type or number of pet. D&A, Inc. establishes pet criteria based on the characteristics of each property.

Our pet classifications generally include:

• Pet OK: Large dogs, small dogs, and cats may be considered.
• Small Pet OK: Dogs weighing less than 15 pounds and cats may be considered.
• Cat OK: Only cats may be considered.
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Depending on the property’s size, yard, and location, we may recommend allowing between one and three pets. This allows us to expand the applicant pool while still considering what is appropriate for the individual property.

How D&A Screens Household Pets

Every prospective resident with a household pet must complete a profile through PetScreening. The profile collects important information, including the pet’s breed, age, weight, photograph, vaccination records, and behavioral history.

PetScreening also organizes the information and provides a FIDO Score reflecting the household related risk associated with the pet and its owner. D&A does not use the score to determine pet deposits or monthly pet rent. However, if the pet’s reported history contains concerning information, we may deny the pet.

This process gives us more information before making a decision and helps us apply pet policies fairly and consistently. It also establishes clear expectations and creates better documentation if concerns arise later.

Pet Deposits and Monthly Pet Rent

For approved household pets, D&A currently charges:

• A $300 deposit for each pet weighing less than 15 pounds
• A $400 deposit for each pet weighing more than 15 pounds
• Monthly pet rent of $40 per pet

Pet deposits provide additional financial protection if a pet causes damage. Monthly pet rent recognizes the additional risk and administrative responsibility associated with allowing pets at the property.

Helping Protect Owners From Pet Damage

Even with careful screening and clear expectations, pets can occasionally cause damage. D&A, Inc. offers owners a $2,000 Pet Damage Guarantee.

If damage caused by an approved pet exceeds the resident’s available deposits, D&A will cover qualifying expenses up to $2,000 to help restore the property to its original condition. The guarantee provides owners with another layer of protection when allowing pets in their rental property. Terms and eligibility requirements apply.

Pets and Assistance Animals Are Different

Household pets and assistance animals are treated differently under fair housing laws. Assistance animals are not considered pets, and housing providers generally cannot charge pet deposits or pet rent for them. Requests involving assistance animals must be evaluated separately under applicable fair housing requirements.

This distinction is one reason it is important to have an experienced property management team that understands how to apply pet policies while complying with housing laws.

Finding the Right Balance

Allowing pets does create additional risk, but a well structured policy can help manage that risk. Careful screening, clear expectations, appropriate deposits, consistent enforcement, and proper documentation allow owners to benefit from a larger applicant pool while still protecting their investment.

The best pet policy depends on the property. A smaller home without a fenced yard may require different criteria than a larger home with more outdoor space.

Our job is to help owners evaluate those factors and establish a policy that supports both leasing performance and property protection.

If you own a rental property in Corvallis, Albany, or Philomath and would like help attracting qualified residents while protecting your investment, contact D&A, Inc. to learn more about our property management services.

Important Note: This article is for general owner education and should not be considered legal advice. Security deposit decisions should be based on the specific condition of the property, documentation, applicable Oregon law, rental agreement terms, and professional review.