In the rental world, pet screening isn’t just another step in the process — it’s a game-changer for both landlords and potential tenants. It lets pet owners showcase their furry friend’s best behavior, and it gives landlords the reassurance of knowing exactly who they’re welcoming into the residence.
But with all the misconceptions and questions surrounding pet screening, the term itself might leave you scratching your head.
Regardless of your position at the rental table, we have you covered. In this guide, we break down pet screening’s definition, along with the key steps in the process. We also highlight how pet screening benefits both landlords and tenants and adds value to the rental experience.
What Is Pet Screening for Rentals?
Pet screening is an interview or background check a landlord conducts to meet a potential tenant’s pet. This is a way for them to better understand the pet’s personality, temperament, and friendliness.
As more and more people add pets to their families (about 46 million U.S. households currently have at least one pet), more landlords are leaning on pet screening to evaluate these four-legged additions.
Landlords need to feel confident that the risk of damage or disturbances caused by tenants’ pets will be minimal, and the pet screening process makes this possible.
How Does Pet Screening Differ From Pet Policies, Pet Rent, and Pet Deposits?
There are three main categories when it comes to tenants’ pets:
- Pet policies are the terms or rules a landlord establishes regarding pets living in the rental space.
- Pet rent is a monthly fee a landlord might charge to cover the normal wear and tear a pet may cause.
- Pet deposits, similar to a security deposit, are one-time, refundable fees that cover unexpected damage.
Keep in mind that pet screening can be used in tandem with pet rent and a pet deposit, depending on the rental property. These fees do not apply to service animals, as they are not considered pets.
Are Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals Included in Pet Screening?
Since service animals aren’t pets, landlords have to accept them in most cases. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, people with disabilities may have “an assistance animal as a reasonable accommodation to a housing provider’s pet restrictions.” The animal’s verified assistance role exempts it from any restrictions or pet fees.
Emotional support animals fall under the same rules when it comes to housing. However, you can request verification to prove that a potential tenant’s animal is a service animal or an emotional support animal (ESA). For example, a dog owner needs an ESA letter from a qualified mental health professional. Otherwise, the dog is just a pet, and it’s subject to all existing pet rules and fees.
With services animals and ESAs, pet screening has a different purpose. The goal is to allow the landlord to learn more about the animal and to establish a trusting relationship between the tenant and the landlord. Screening isn’t used to restrict an assistance animal or an emotional support animal, unless they exhibit destructive or aggressive behavior. In that case, this may not apply, but consult with legal counsel to explore your options.
Why Is Pet Screening Important?
There are two main reasons why pet screening is important for both landlords and potential tenants. First, it helps minimize risk for pets and the property. If you’re a pet parent, you want your furry companion to be safe, healthy, and happy. And if you’re a landlord, you want to protect the safety of your tenants and property.
Screening the pets of prospective tenants allows landlords to determine if the rental will comfortably suit those animals.
A pet policy might exclude certain breeds from a landlord’s property with no exceptions. However, pet screening recognizes that there shouldn’t be a “one size fits all” policy for all breeds since each pet has its own temperament. Plus, with proper training, a pet can live safely with other tenants (furry or not) and cause minimal property damage.
By using pet screening, landlords and tenants can both feel comfortable with their decisions.
The second reason is because it helps build transparent landlord-tenant relationships. If you’re a landlord, you want to bring the best possible tenants into your property. Having a “no pet” policy doesn’t guarantee quality tenants.
As more pet owners look for rentals, pet screening opens the door to more prospective tenants.
Open dialogue between landlords and tenants is key to a good working relationship. By discussing a pet’s level of training and personality, landlords and tenants build trust and a sense of transparency. The tenant isn’t hiding their pet, and the landlord feels confident that they’ve chosen a responsible tenant.
What Is the Typical Pet Screening Process?
Whether you’re a property owner considering pet screening or a potential tenant with a pet, knowing what to expect during the screening process is important.
Just as a tenant applies for a rental unit, the pet screening process typically starts with an application or pet resume. This document should include the following pieces of information:
- Type of pet
- Breed
- Age
- Size
- Behavioral history
- Vaccinations
- Training courses
If you’re a candidate with an assistance animal or an ESA, add the required documentation to your application or resume.
It’s also common for landlords to meet both the tenant and the pet for an interview. These interviews provide the landlord with a chance to interact with the pet and assess its behavior. A landlord might look for excessive barking, aggression, and responsiveness to basic commands.
Reference checks from other landlords or other people who know the pet may also be requested as part of the screening process.
Keep in mind that each property owner might have a different pet screening procedure. The goal of the screening process is for them to get a glimpse of the pet’s personality.
What Questions Are Asked During the Pet Screening Process?
Landlords can ask a number of questions during a pet screening session, but here are a few of the most common:
- How long have you owned the pet?
- For how long will the pet be alone in the rental (on average)?
- Who’ll care for the pet in case of absence or emergency?
Navigating the Pet-Friendly Rental Landscape
In today’s pet-centric society, finding or offering the right rental can feel overwhelming for both landlords and tenants. But with pet screening, the possibilities become clear.
Not only does pet screening provide peace of mind to landlords looking to find the perfect tenant, but it also helps ensure the tenant feels confident their entire family will be welcomed through the door. Moving beyond the “pet-or-no-pet” dilemma allows the parties to develop a positive rental relationship.
If you’re a landlord, leveraging tenant-screening tools on Avail can give you peace of mind by screening tenants and their pets.
For tenants, you can add information about your pets and upload pet resumes to your Avail Renter Profile, letting potential landlords know you’re a responsible pet owner and your four-legged friend is well-behaved.
To get started, create an Avail account today.
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