The Pet Myths That are Costing You Money
Did you know that most pet restrictions (banned breeds, weight/size restrictions) in place in rental properties nationwide, large and small, are actually based on myth, not fact? And that these misconceptions are not only costing pets their lives, but costing investment owners money?
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS A "DANGEROUS" OR "AGGRESSIVE" BREED OF DOG
There is no scientific basis supporting the notion that any breed of dog is more "dangerous" or "aggressive" than others; the concept is simply urban legend. Independent experts like the Centers for Disease Control, the American Veterinary Medical Association and others all agree that policies that restrict dogs based on appearance do nothing to reduce dog bites or enhance public safety (see the AVMA's news release "Want to Reduce Dog Bites? Don't Focus on the Breed").
THERE'S NO SUCH THING AS AN "APARTMENT-SIZED" DOG
Dogs, like people, are individuals, and there are no "good" or "bad" apartment breeds. Many small dogs are vocal and excitable, reacting to every sound they hear throughout the day, while many larger dogs are content to lay silently on the couch awaiting their owner's return.
PET OWNING RENTERS DON'T CAUSE MORE DAMAGE THAN NON-PET OWNERS
Evidence proves that pet owning renters statistically do no more damage to rental units than non-pet owners. In fact, renters with pets stay in their units well over twice as long as non-pet owners (46 months vs 18 months), saving properties thousands of dollars per unit in turnover costs.
THE NATION'S LARGEST INSURANCE PROVIDERS DON'T HAVE BREED RESTRICTIONS
Major carriers like State, Farmer's and others are happy to insure properties that welcome all breeds and sizes of dogs.
MOST NON-PET OWNERS ARE HAPPY TO HAVE PETS ON THEIR PROPERTIES
A 2014 Apartments.com survey found that 75% of non-pet owners surveyed said that they either enjoy or are not bothered by the idea of living in a building with pets.
NATIONAL LAWS ALREADY REQUIRE ASSISTANCE ANIMALS BE HOUSED
The Fair Housing Act ensures that all cats and dogs who function as assistance animals may reside in rental housing, regardless of a community's breed or size restrictions.
Renting to dogs without breed or weight restrictions significantly increases our market, and we have found that we usually have less turnover with dog owners.
— Cliff Orloff, CEO, Orloff Property Management
We are not only thriving, we are rocking it! We are sitting nicely at 96+% occupied and making more money than in the entire time we’ve been open—and we’ve been open for 54 years!
— Tonja Bradford, Property Manager, The Palms
