Pets can have behavioral problems. Here’s what to do if you host one in your vacation rental.
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:
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.
No, you can’t. Service animals are protected under federal law. (Trusted Source)
If a vacation rental welcomes pets, that will be on the listing. You can ask a rental host if they’d be willing to allow pets, but they are within their right to refuse.
No. Emotional support animals aren’t the same as service animals, and in the U.S., service animals are the only animals protected by law that can be used in public.
Yes, within reason. New builds and construction must be up to date in terms of ADA accessibility. Older, existing homes must make things accessible to the best of their ability within the constraints of the building’s architecture.
