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From a bigger pool of tenants to higher returns, there are plenty of reasons why landlords shouldn't overlook including pets on your next property lease.

5 Paws-itively Compelling Reasons To Consider Renting To Pet Owners

From a bigger pool of tenants to higher returns, here are five paws-itively compelling reasons why you should consider allowing pets on your next property lease.

While there are plenty of dog and cat lovers in the world, historically landlords have not fallen into this category. It's understandable why many homeowners are reluctant to rent to pet owners, from scratched floors and stains to all that chewing, there are certainly risks to your property when it comes to letting pets move in. 

But are homeowners being short-sighted when it comes to renting to pet owners? Though there are potential pitfalls, here are five compelling reasons why you should consider letting Fido and his human friends move into your rental home. 

1. Allowing pets expands the pool of rental applications

Even before the pandemic puppy boom, the number of pet owners in America was staggering. 70% of families have pets, which adds up to 85 million households. Not only that, but pet ownership is trending up with younger renters: Millennials are more likely to own pets than any other age group. 

All this means that, if you’re a homeowner, you’re cutting yourself off from a ton of desirable renters by not allowing pets in your house, building, or apartment. Of course this has always been the case, but if the trends hold, the situation will become far more pronounced over the coming years and decades. 

As a property owner, you want to find someone who will love your home as much as you do. Why limit that potential pool?

Read More: Why Belong Focuses on Long-Term Rentals 

2. Pet-friendly rentals attract a premium rate in the market

A recent study found that only 9% of housing allowed companion animals without any significant limitations on size or type and more than two-thirds (82%) of renters with animals reported having trouble finding a rental unit that would take their pet/s. This means that supply and demand is a real issue when it comes to pet-friendly rentals. When pet-friendly rentals are scarce, their value goes up .

The same study indicates that pet owners pay on average, a premium on their rent of around 20 - 30%, on top of a pet deposit to cover any damages. With higher rental returns, you're likely to come out in front even if some damage did occur. 

3. Pet-friendly rentals attract responsible residents to your home

Anyone who’s ever owned a pet will tell you, it’s a serious commitment — which means that pet owners tend to be serious, responsible people. Not only that, but the average household income for pet owners is over $96,000 a year, which is almost $30,000 more than the average household income overall. So in terms of both psychographics and demographics, it’s much more likely that pet-owners will be good tenants who consistently pay their rent on time and keep your home well-maintained.

Discover Belong PRO: The best alternative to Property Management in Seattle, Redmond, Oakland, and many more cities across California, Florida and Washington State.

4. Tenants that secure pet-friendly rentals are more likely to stay

Moving is a painful, stressful experience for everyone, but if you’re a pet owner, it’s a uniquely excruciating experience. Not only is it harder to find another home that will accommodate your pet, but you also have to think about the effect such a dramatic change of scenery will have on the animal. You have to find a new vet, a new dog walker, a new dog run. Simply put, it’s a disruptive, alienating experience for the animal. That’s why pet owners tend to stay in one place longer than people who don’t own pets.

5. Some pets offer security for your home

Dogs make homes safer; burglars are opportunists and would not take the risk of being attacked when the house next door doesn’t have a ferocious-sounding bark coming from within. This isn’t just folklore – there’s data which supports this.

Read More: The Dos and Don’ts of Home Security in a Rental Property

If pet damage does occur, Belong PRO's 24/7 concierge service will be on hand to manage communication with the residents and organise repairs fast. Many homeowners hope to one day return to their homes again or make sure their beloved house is well cared for. With Belong, you’ll never have to worry about bad residents, late rent, cost blowouts, or 2am phone calls ever again. 

See why thousands of US homeowners are ditching outdated Property Management in San Francisco, San Diego, Los Angeles, Tampa, Jacksonville, Concord, Berkeley, Orlando and more.

When comparing the top-ranked property managers in Florida, find out why they're all the same and how you’d be better off with a contemporary alternative.

Why Florida's Top-Rated Property Managers Are More 80s Than Miami Vice

We love the 80’s as much as any Floridian, but unlike Miami Vice, some things don’t age well in modern times. Your property management company is one of them. When comparing the top-ranked property managers in Florida, find out why you’d be better off with a contemporary alternative. It’s what Don Johnson would do. 

We get it, you’re here because you’re looking for the top-rated property management companies in Florida. And we found them, with a list that features companies who have been rated 4.5 stars and above, by over 100 people in the Florida rental market. But before you dive in and select from a sea of sameness, find out why Belong is changing the entire renting industry for both landlords and tenants — or as we prefer to say, homeowners and residents. 

Belong vs Florida property management companies

When comparing property management companies, you’ll be looking at a handful of differences between them all. How much do they charge for management fees and how often you are going to get slogged for more. 

With Belong, there’s no comparison. Because Belong isn’t a property management company, it’s a completely unique experience that is humanizing the rental market. 

Belong does things differently in the great cities of Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonsville, Tallahassee and more. Starting with:


Guaranteed Rent: Receive your rent on time, every month, regardless of when it’s paid by residents.



24/7 Concierge Support: Both homeowners and residents have access to real-time support, going beyond emergency maintenance requests.



Transparent fees: No hidden costs like setup fees or lease renewal charges.



Modern-day marketing: Virtual tours and video marketing is included in listings.



User-friendly app: Belong's app provides convenient access to documentation, cash flow insights, and financial and insurance solutions. 



A focus on long-term residents: Belong takes a personalized approach to match the right people, so they stay longer and feel at home.



Innovative financial solutions: Homeowners can manage cash flow effectively, even splitting the cost of maintenance and placement fees.



Eviction protection: Owners are shielded from legal costs if we ever place the wrong people



Extensive vendor network: Belong connects homeowners with a vetted network of over 10,000 professionals for repairs and renovations.



Comprehensive insurance solutions: Belong offers insurance options that protect homeowners, their properties, and residents.



Market-driven insights: Belong utilizes market data and real-time interest to maximize the value of your home.



And even though Belong is flipping the script on property management In Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Tallahassee and more, the reviews rank with the best of the best. Check out Belong’s top-ranked listing before you compare with the rest: 

Address: 218 NW 24th Street, Suite #311, Miami, FL 33127

Website: https://belonghome.com/homeowners/miami 

Google Rating: 4.8 Stars (based on 371 reviews)

Areas Served: Belong offers home management services right across Florida, with expanded network capacity across Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville and Tallahassee. 

24/7 Support: Yes, both landlords and tenants get 24/7 concierge support

3D/Virtual tour: Yes (included free of charge) 

Evictions: For evictions of tenants chosen by Belong (not existing leases or tenants), Belong will cover legal costs up to $15,000.

9 top-ranked property management companies in Florida

Note: Details and pricing are based on internet research conducted in May 2022 and are subject to change by the companies featured, so please speak to these companies directly before making any final decisions. 

Address: 950 Peninsula Corp Cir #1013, Boca Raton, FL

Website: https://luxurypropertycare.com/ 

Google Rating: 5 Stars (based on 110 reviews)

Areas Served: Broward County, Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, Lucie County, Orange County, Alachua county, Duval County, Hillsborough County, Lee County

Monthly Management Fee: 10% (or 8% for owners with 8+ properties)

Evictions: If the tenant defaults within the first 6 months of a lease, Luxury Property Care will cover the eviction filing fee and find a new tenant at no charge. After 6 months, uncontested evictions cost $350 to file versus the average filing fee of $450. For legal representation, Owners are provided a range of discounted quotes from partner attorneys.

Address: 9480 NE 2nd Ave #128, Miami Shores, FL 33138

Google Rating: 4.9 Stars (based on 268 reviews)

Areas Served: Miami and Fort Lauderdale metropolitan areas, which encompasses Miami-Dade and Broward counties.

Evictions: Eviction management services offered, engaging attorneys when necessary and attending court on Owner's behalf.

Address: 813 Lake McGregor Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33919

Google Rating: 4.8 Stars (based on 219 reviews)

Areas Served: Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres, Estero, Bonita Springs, Naples, Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Lee County, Collier County. 

Evictions: Eviction protection is included in Platinum package or charged at $19 p/m for Premium package, which will cover the cost of a simple uncontested eviction, up to $500 (some restrictions apply).

What a seamless, personal and wonderful experience this has been! I am not only surprised at their level of professionalism but also their exceptional service. Response time on questions & support were incredible! Highly recommend!!”
- Ciel K

The Belong team is top notch, and we are very fortunate to have them managing our property… They have consistently pursued the best options for both the Landlord and Tenants, and are a model of what professional management companies should be. I highly recommend Belong!" 
- Frank L

I'm an owner who uses Belong for property management. They have been really great. Whenever there's an issue, they proactively work to find a resolution. They've also done a great job keeping the tenant happy. Their rental guarantee is why I chose them, but their customer service is what's keeping me!” 
- Peter G

Think your Florida home belongs with us? Find out if you qualify here. 

Melanie Kershaw

Mel Kershaw is a Content Lead at Belong. With an extensive background working with technology companies including Eventbrite and Yelp, she’s always looking for ways to create educational and informative articles that simplifies tech and solves problems for her audience.

Flora Fiorillo

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Flora Fiorillo

Natalie McNeal

Afton Brazzoni

Jane Allison Gunn

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