Every landlord wants to attract renters and have their property fly off the market as soon as it is listed. A great way to widen your scope of prospective tenants is by making your property a pet-friendly zone. The good news is that it doesn’t take much to make your property a pet-friendly zone. If you’re wondering how you can create a pet haven in your home, here are some pointers to keep in mind.
Anti-Skid Tiles
Pet safety is of paramount importance to pet parents. One of the most common ways pets can hurt themselves is by slipping on stagnant water. As pets are often running and active, they aren’t wary of stagnant water in outdoor spaces. If you live in temperate or tropical weather, chances are you see a lot of rainfall during the year. A great way to make the outdoor space safe for pets is by installing anti-skid tiles on the porch, backyard and patio. This ensures any puddle of water doesn’t pose a risk to pets. Also opt for anti-skid tiles on stairs, entryways, bathrooms and any area that can cause pets to slip and hurt themselves.
Close Multiple Exit Points
Does your home boast several exit points? Not the best thing for pet parents! Some home exits include French windows, balconies, backyard doors, kitchen exits and the main door. While these spell convenience and aesthetics for homeowners, several exits can be a cause of worry for pet owners. It is difficult to stay vigilant on several exits. Also, it can lead to unforeseen accidents and be a threat to the safety of pets. If you’re looking to attract families with a pet, offer to seal off some of these exits as a potential way to increase safety around the home. You do not have to permanently seal off the exits – some simple carpentry will ensure it isn’t a functional exit until your next tenants come around. Also, offer to install a cat door or dog door to the main entrance to make things easy for supervision.
Invest In A Dog Kennel
Get the basics on point by investing in a dog kennel in the property’s backyard. While it is true that the kind of dog kennel to buy depends on the breed and the preferences of a dog, it is never a bad idea to choose a generic kennel suitable to most breeds. Set up the kennel in a safe spot in the backyard offering plenty of sunlight and a play area. Choose a dog kennel that is large enough to ensure the comfort of a dog. Consider buying a two-level kennel so the pet gets plenty of room to stay active. Any dog parent is going to love the idea of their furry friend running around the backyard without a care in the world. This is an inviting idea for many prospective tenants with dogs.
Pet-Proof Interiors
Dog proofing furniture and valuables may seem like an uphill task, but it actually isn’t tough. Invite a friend having pets over to scrutinize your property from the perspective of a pet parent. Sharp furniture edges, dangerously low shelves and open plug-points are a strict no-no with pet owners. You can use the same tools and fittings that are used to baby-proof a home to make your interiors more inviting to families with pets. Avoid coffee tables or shelves made of glass. Invest in scratch-free laminate furniture that shows no sign of damage with pet claws and droppings. Creating an environment that is safe for pets is a definite win for pet parents. It saves them the hassle of pet-proofing themselves, boosting your chances of bagging an immediate convert!
Community Pet-Friendly Aspects
Do your homework as a landlord looking to attract tenants with pets. Identify amenities in the neighbourhood that are useful to animals. If tenants are convinced that the community is pet-friendly, it can boost their interest in your property. Offer document evidence on nearby vet clinics, pet parks, pet-parent communities, pet stores and more. Check with neighbours on their openness to having pets in the area. If you can, get the neighbours to sign a declaration stating the kind of pets they are comfortable with. Dogs, cats, birds and fish are usually acceptable to most communities. Offbeat pets such as turtles and lizards may be a cause of concern if left out in the open. Let prospective tenants know about the receptiveness of the community at large to having pets around.
Wrap Up
Pets are an inseparable part of a family. It is about time landlords curate properties to suit not just the human incumbents but also their animal families. Landlords accepting and providing for pets make their property more viable and give renters a warm and welcoming vibe.