How do I rent to people with pets without having to replace my nice carpet?

Ex-Spurt: How do I rent to people with pets without having to replace my nice carpet?
Let’s face it, even the best of pet owners is powerless to prevent a pet accident. Even my stepmom, who babies her poodle constantly, has to pick up an “unwelcome present” from time to time.

I have just installed new carpet and would like to make it available to people who have pets (why discriminate against people who care about animals?). But how do I do it without having to pay huge amounts to clean/replace carpet every time someone moves? Does anyone have SUCCESSFUL experience with this?

Answers and Views:

Answer by broccoli brain
One option might be to require a “pet deposit” sufficient to cover replacement cost of the carpet.

Answer by me too
In Australia, when you leave a rental home, you are obliged to leave it in the same condition as you first moved in. Also, on top of this, carpets have to be professionally cleaned and pest control needs to be performed if you have pets on the yard.

Perhaps you can put some clauses in the lease – condition/entry report and exiting conditions.

And if they fail to leave it in a good condition, the repairs come out of the bond money.

Answer by chatsplas
NOPE
Lost my beautiful new Berber carpeting, padding, floorboards and baseboard when tenant snuck in her cat, then pleaded and begged and we took $ 250 deposit, and they totally ruined two large rooms of carpeting because her old kitty just peed at side of LR and DR. Then tenant got pregnant and moved out due to unhealthful environrment–which she created. And the deadbeat was just a barmaid and not collectible.
And sometimes you don’t smell it (or see it) until it gets humid. . . . . .
While carpeting is brand new, I don’t rent to pet owners. After the newness wears off I rent to pet owners with an extra pet deposit, but it still wouldn’t replace my carpeting.

Answer by Wildcat
There is no way to guarantee keeping the carpet nice with pets. This is why so many landlords do not allow pets. All you can do is get enough of a deposit to fix it if it does happen.

Contrary to what you hear the bad experiences are the exception, NOT the rule. Most people that are willing to pay a substantial pet deposit will do all they can to get it back.

Answer by Michael
maybe you can make a deal with them stating that after they leave the rental they have to get the floors professionally cleaned

Answer by Mel
You can list “no pets allowed”. And to the landlord that made the comment about a pregnant barmaid with the cat, this is an isolated incident and just because they work in a bar doesn’t make them deadbeats or noncollectable.

I have given my landlords a $ 500 pet deposit ($ 250 nonrefundable) and am required to have the carpets professionally cleaned when I vacate and provide them with a receipt from the company that has done the cleaning. Yes my dogs have had their accidents but I clean it up ASAP as I don’t want to live with doggie mess everywhere or smell it. I will be honest though I have 4 boys (ages 5-10) and they are capable of doing 10 TIMES more damage to the carpets and I am a stay-at-home mom who is constantly keeping on them to take off their shoes & keep drinks in the kitchen. But more accidents have come from spills & dirty feet than my 2 ten year old inside doggies. Just do a good job screening the people. But keep in mind you can’t discriminate against tenants with children but you can with pets & aquariums (just put it in your listing).

Answer by tinky winky
I am a landlord and i charge a 150 security deposit per dog if its a cat i don’t charge anything and caged animals nothing as well I tell my tenants if carpet and home is in same condition when they leave they get it back so that’s at least how i do it and 90% of the time they get it back. so hope i helped you out a little good luck

Answer by BrittanyW
Make them sign a contract that say s if the pets harm the house in anyway they pay for the damages.

Answer by wendy b
Definately have them pay for a non-refundable pet deposite. That way you are covered. You explained it very well, I think they will understand. If they don’t then don’t rent to them. I can’t stand pet owners who make it bad for the rest of us. Because if my dog has a problem, my husband is right there with pinesol cleaning thoroughly.(forgive me is i misspell) Our house doesn’t stink from our dog. But I will say some of the stains and problems on our floor come from smoking. Ashes and ocasionally hot ashes. If they love their animal they will pay the extra and be thankful for a Landlord that allows them the keep their pet. I have known some people to have to get rid of their animals because they couldn’t find a pet friendly home. Good Luck.