Last week, landlords
in Indiana received a shock when they discovered a four-foot boa constrictor
curled up in the bathroom of a recently vacated apartment. Thankfully, animal
control officials were able to retrieve the snake and relocate it to a wildlife
refuge area.
Most landlords and property owners have no problem allowing tenants to
live with cats or dogs in their rental unit, as long as there is full
disclosure at the time of lease signing. However, perhaps not as many landlords are giving enough thought as
to whether or not to allow exotic pets. Have you considered the liabilities that
could come with having residents who don’t properly care for them? For example, some exotic pets carry diseases
that can transfer to humans, so do your homework before you allow anything.
Also, before you allow a tenant to keep any pet on your property, make sure it is legal. Some
states have laws banning certain primates or big cats from being raised in
captivity by private citizens. You should always stipulate in your lease agreement which pets are
acceptable – dogs, cats, fish, snakes up to a certain size, etc.
Don’t forget to also include a pet deposit requirement in
the lease agreement. An extra $100
deposit will come in very handy if you have to call in the animal control
specialists once the tenant vacates!
Visit ATS Inc's homepage to find out more about our tenant screening services!
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