Short-term rentals and pet behavior: how to handle complicated issues

Unpredictability is the name of the game when owning a rental property, but you can set yourself up for success by being proactive from the jump.

A well thought out pet policy ensures that you and your guests are on the same page about pets within the rental. This is the perfect opportunity to set clear pet rules regarding things like:

• Behavior requirements. Stipulate that animals with aggression or other behavioral problems aren’t able to stay on the property. This can also include pets that aren’t potty or litter box trained.
• Health requirements. Ask that all pets are up to date on their vaccines and don’t have anything communicable (this includes fleas or ticks!).
• Type of pets. Exotic pets can be fun, but not in a rental. You can tell renters you only allow cats and dogs.
• Breed restrictions. You know your HOA rules and local ordinances better than anyone. If they don’t allow certain pet breeds on site, you can say that here.

Within the pet policy, you can also establish a responsible owner oath that outlines your expectations for pet owners, from cleaning up after their pet to ensuring that they know their responsibility in the case of damages or incidents. The pet policy is also the place to establish a pet fee. Pet fees can give you, as the owner, some peace of mind as they operate as financial support if an animal breaks or destroys something within your rental.

Unfortunately, situations arise that are out of the norm, whether that’s an animal bite, nuisance report, or exceptional damage to your property. This is where your planning comes into play.  In addition to understanding your liability, know how you want to address any issues step-by-step. From how to contact the guest and assess damage to how you will determine and collect payment, having a plan is invaluable.

If you’re renting through a site like Airbnb or Vrbo, their customer care team will likely help you through the process should you file a claim.

You need insurance when renting out a property to guests, and understanding your policy will help you better tackle any challenges or issues that may arise. The legal responsibilities of pet owners are ample and range from dog bites to property damage. As a property owner, your liability insurance will protect you if a guest’s animal causes damage to your property, a neighbor’s property, or another person.

Some insurances have stipulations regarding coverage, such as dog breeds, dog history, or exotic animals. Regardless of your insurance, you should plan for damages and communicate with guests about your expectations for them and their pets.

An open line of communication is crucial as an owner, whether via cell phone, email, or the platform you use to rent the property. Within your pet policy, include common frequently asked questions and their response for renters to refer back to. They can contact you for real-time communication if their question or issue isn’t in the document. Avoid oral-only communication so there’s documentation of your conversations, especially if there’s a complaint or problem.

It’s also a good idea to exchange contact information (and have an amicable relationship) with neighbors. Maintaining a good relationship and open communication encourages them to report rental contract breaches to you before they become a bigger issue.