Those who charge pet rent, how have you trained your teams to explain the reason(s) for the charge?

Looking for some multifamily brainpower...those who charge pet rent, how have you trained your teams to explain the reason(s) for the charge? I've heard "for the upkeep on the pet areas/stations" but what do you say to those with cats as opposed to dogs? And could any explanation relating to the interior of the home fall back on the pet deposit and/or pet fee paid upfront? Grateful for any insight - thanks in advance!

We say, quite honestly, it is to help offset the cost of the damage the pet will inevitably cause.

Leah Love Orsbon thanks for the info. Quick question...since the pet rent is to offset damages, does that mean you don't have a pet deposit?

Lia, their deposit usually doesn’t cover the extent of the damage.

Leah Love Orsbon gotcha thanks!

What do you mean cats instead of dogs? Do you only charge rent for one of them? Do your residents assume cats are less destructive?? A cat can be just as destructive if not more, than a dog (case in point, mine). Also, I dont agree with pet rent for the reason you just quoted. Why do you charge a deposit specifically for the possibility of pet damage then tell residents the pet rent is for the same thing.

Rachel Lynette Payton one of our focus group participants said she was told it was to maintain the dog park. She also said she had a cat and asked why was she being charged for something her cat would never use but didn't get a clear answer from her management team.

Lia Nichole Smith yeah I dont know how to manage that situation. Seems like cat owners have a valid point if that's the reason given.

Rachel Lynette Payton it has always been a challenge to help renters understand all of the costs associated with having a pet.

Pet rent is a monthly charge for the privilege of having a pet in the home.

“Because we can”

Katie Ross Lytle so interesting you mentioned this. Two of our focus group participants said the exact same thing!

When someone owns a pet, there can be additional costs incurred by management just to make that apartment home ready to rent to the next renter(who could be allergic) I.e. air duct cleaning, to remove allergens such as pet dander from the apartment. This does not include avoidable destruction such as urine stains, holes, ripped/chewed carpet and baseboards, which will be additional charges.

Cory Evon George I would argue that per the lease, this is what the pet deposit is supposed to cover and that I'm well aware if there are damages above and beyond the scope of the deposit that I am responsible.

Rachel Lynette Payton - the deposit goes to cover these other mentioned issues such as carpet repairs/replacement that may or may not exist at move-out. If they do not exist then you get your pet “deposit” back. You do not get the pet “rent” back because that money goes to the issues that will always exist such as the pet dander, extra pet hair removal, etc. That will exist in any home that has a pet whether dog or cat. Whether they do damage or not. I’ve never had a prospect or resident question it further than that. We do not do a pet deposit. We do a pet fee and pet rent, none is refundable and never had it argued further than those points.

To maintain the pet stations and dog park. For cats...that’s a tough one

Animals increase risk. Risk has an expense. If they can’t grasp that then tell them to get their car insurance company to give them free car insurance.
Tell them you know that **their** animal would never cause wear and damages just like their car insurance knows that they would never have an at fault accident.

Luxury amenity as some communities don't allow pets?

I tell people that the pet rent covers the cost of the pet stations, cleaning of the dog park and replacement of the doggie bags.

I love that our community doesn't accept pets. Most communities in the area charge a pet fee & pet rent per pet, no pet deposit. Having a pet is expensive, and most people are willing pay additional fee's for them.