Blog Post

Should You Have a Pet Policy for Your Lee’s Summit Property?

November 28, 2017

Lee’s Summit owners will often ask about whether or not they should include pets in their rental portfolio. Some investors are worried about the damage that pets can cause to a rental property. You have the right to decide whether or not you’ll rent to tenants who have pets. However, you should consider a few things before you make that decision.

Property Management Lee’s Summit: Pets and Vacancies

First and foremost, you need to consider an important statistic. We know that between 50 and 52 percent of people are pet owners. So, you can see that if you don’t allow pets, you’re taking out half of the rental prospects. That immediately limits the potential renters you have for your properties, and it will stay on the market longer. You may think you don’t want that half of the tenant pool, but when we dive into the numbers and look at vacancy rates, the costs can add up by not having the property occupied.

Lee’s Summit Rental Property Pet Policy

You have several different ways to mitigate the costs of pets and the risks that come with them. Pets are not a protected class, so you can pick and choose which ones you will allow. Set up some procedures and follow them. First, determine what you will tolerate. Maybe you’re okay with dogs but not cats, or vice versa. Perhaps dogs and cats are fine, but you don’t want snakes. Define your parameters. Put these requirements and restrictions into a pet policy and include that information in your lease agreement. Decide whether you just want to collect a pet deposit or whether you want to charge additional rent every month.

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Best Tips for Self-Managing your Rental Properties

By Trisha Goodale • March 17, 2023

Owning and managing rental properties can be a lucrative business, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From screening tenants to handling maintenance requests, property management requires a lot of time and effort. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your rental properties and maximize your returns. Set clear expectations Before a tenant moves in, make sure to set clear expectations about the rental agreement. This includes the rent amount, due date, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and any other rules or regulations. Having a clear agreement in place can prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the line. Screen tenants thoroughly A thorough screening process can help you find reliable tenants who will take care of your property and pay rent on time. Ask for references, run background and credit checks, and verify income and employment. It's also a good idea to have a conversation with potential tenants to get a sense of their personality and communication style. Maintain the property regularly Regular maintenance can prevent small issues from turning into big ones and keep your property in good condition. Schedule regular inspections and make sure to address any repairs or maintenance requests promptly. You can also consider hiring a professional property management company to handle maintenance tasks for you. Communicate effectively Good communication is key to a successful landlord-tenant relationship. Be responsive to tenant requests and keep them informed of any changes or updates related to the property. Establish clear communication channels and respond promptly to calls, emails, or messages. Keep accurate records Maintaining accurate records can help you stay organized and ensure that you are in compliance with local laws and regulations. Keep records of rent payments, maintenance requests, inspections, and any other relevant documents. Consider using property management software to streamline your record-keeping process. Know your legal obligations As a landlord, you have legal obligations to your tenants, including providing safe and habitable living conditions, respecting their privacy, and following eviction procedures if necessary. Make sure you are familiar with local laws and regulations related to rental properties and comply with them at all times. Of course, if you have a property in Lee's Summit, Raymore, Blue Springs or other surrounding areas, we'd love to assist you with all of your property management needs.

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