Idaho Real Estate Investors Use Flexible Private Money Loans
People love their pets.
66% of households in the U.S. own at least one pet, and many pet owners consider their four-legged companions to be family members.
Allowing pets in your rental can attract long-term tenants and command higher rental rates. But it also comes with risks like property damage. As a landlord, balancing tenant and pet needs with property protection is essential.
These pet-friendly features and rental policies can increase tenant and pet comfort, boost investment property value, and ensure long-term ROI.
Pet-Friendly Living Space
When upgrading or renovating your rental property, consider pet-conscious design choices that accommodate pets and protect your investment:
- Flooring: Install non-slip, scratch-resistant flooring. Luxury vinyl plank (LVP), bamboo, and ceramic tiles offer practical non-porous options. If using carpeting, install low-pile, stain-resistant synthetic styles in small sections to allow for easy replacement.
- Paint finishes: Avoid hard-to-clean flat paint. Instead, opt for eggshell, satin, and semi-gloss finishes that can be easily wiped down. Neutral tones in off-white, cream, and beige mask scuffs and stains.
- Noise reduction: Pets can be noisy. Install proper insulation between rental units to reduce sound transfer and improve tenant relations. To minimize disturbance, situate outdoor pet relief areas away from other tenants’ units and activities.
- Door plates: Install metal or plastic kickplates on the lower half of doors to prevent scratch marks and gouges from dogs eager to get in or out.
- Window treatments: Install tie-ups for window blind cords to avoid choking hazards and prevent pets – especially cats or smaller dogs – from getting tangled or injured.
- Pet-safe landscaping: Ensure that landscaping choices are pet-friendly; certain plants and fertilizers are toxic to animals. Choose durable, pet-safe grass or mulch, and fence off sensitive areas.
Plan Ahead: Tenant Pet Agreements & Fees
A well-crafted lease can make a big difference in successfully implementing a pet-friendly policy (and a positive tenant-landlord relationship). Include a pet addendum that outlines:
- Types and number of pets allowed
- Tenant responsibility for cleaning and damage
- Pet fees and deposits
- The landlord’s right to revoke pet privileges for non-compliance
Require tenants to disclose pet type, size, and breed. And make sure your policy aligns with local fair housing laws, including service animals and emotional support animals.
Finance Pet-Friendly Upgrades with an Easy Hard Money Loan
Creating a truly pet-friendly rental property requires upfront investment—but financing doesn’t have to be a hassle. Idaho real estate investors turn to flexible private money loans for fast funding to complete interior renovations and exterior updates. These short-term financing options are ideal for upgrading rentals to stand out in a competitive market. Our Gregory M. Russell private money lender team is here to help you succeed with equity-based loans up to $400,000. We bring three decades of experience in the Idaho real estate market to our client partnerships. Get started with a phone call to 1-888-477-0444 to discuss your needs, or complete our online loan request form, and we’ll be in touch shortly.