Californians own the most dogs of any state in the U.S. – and San Diego is no exception!  We often see prospective tenants lose interest in an otherwise desirable property if it means that their pet cannot move-in with them. In fact, one of the first questions we are asked by interested parties is if the rental is pet-friendly. These 13 ways to pet-proof your rentals are especially helpful for those investment property owners who are hesitant about welcoming pets to their properties.

This list focuses on pet-proofing your rental property in order to protect your investment and income all while keeping your tenants – and their pets – happy.

Pet-proof your rental with a property makeover:

Property makeovers are the best way to minimize property damage by investing in durable, long-lasting solutions.

While they may require additional costs and work, property makeovers designed to thoroughly pet-proof are the most secure way to protect a property and increase the safety of pets.

No. 1 – Vinyl, linoleum, and tile floors are tough, impermeable and scratch resistant. Converting existing flooring into one of those durable alternatives significantly reduces the likelihood of flooring damage that results from the activity of pets and their potential ‘indoor accidents’.

No. 2 –  Bamboo is a good option if a warmer look is desired, as it is harder than most wooden flooring, making it not so vulnerable to scratches, and it is also not as permeable having less natural grooves.

No. 3 – Polyurethane can be utilized to seal wooden floors if pursuing a complete floor makeover is out of the question.

No. 4 – High-gloss, semi-gloss and satin paints result in hard, moisture-proof finishes that are preferable when it comes to preserving and protecting walls. These finishes create washable surfaces that are not vulnerable to stains and chips.

Affordable ways to pet-proof your rental property:

If pursuing a complete property makeover is not feasible, encouraging tenants to pet-proof their living space is still possible and certainly adequate to avoid the likelihood of damages.

The ideas below describe affordable, easy and efficient ways to protect indoor spaces and promoting the safety of pets. 

No. 5 – Area rugs are ideal for making spaces look welcoming and cozy while avoiding risks associated with carpet flooring. They add a personal touch to pet-resistant flooring, while also being easy to replace as needed.

No. 6 – Outdoor rugs can be utilized indoors as they are naturally more durable and designed for easy cleanup. They are available in many different patterns and shapes that can suit most indoor spaces.

No. 7 – Shelves and wall hangings allow decorative pieces, houseplants and more delicate items to be displayed while being out of reach of curious pets. Taking into account how far off the ground pets can reach is fundamental to make sure that anything sharp, valuable or toxic is safely stored, and shelving helps with utilizing height as a practical advantage.

No. 8 – Thick, heavy blinds are preferable to fabric curtains and flimsy plastic shades. Dragging fabric, noisy blinds and hanging cords invite biting and pulling, which is why shorter drawstrings and heavier materials are a safer option. 

No. 9 – Plexiglass and Lucite panels are inexpensive and can be affixed to doors and windows to add a layer of protection from scratches.

No. 10 – Non-textured furnishings minimize the scratching and biting appeal that most textured materials have for pets.

No. 11– Metal, plastics and resin furnishings are sleek and thus less stimulating than wool, leather, and other coarse surfaces that make for inviting scratch and bite posts.

No. 12 – Microfiber and heavy, tightly-woven fabrics are most resistant to tear and wear, which is important to consider when choosing linens, couches, armchairs and similar home decor.

No. 13 – Baby gates can be used to separate pet-friendly spaces from other areas, especially those prone to housing products that are not safe for pets or displaying more delicate furnishings or flooring.

Source: RentalHousingJournal