Indianapolis landlords do not have any legal restrictions when making decisions about pets. When it comes to leasing your property, you can allow all pets or no pets or some pets.
We always recommend pet-friendly properties because such a large section of the tenant pool has at least one pet. When you allow pets and have a strong pet policy in place, you can often rent your home faster and for more money.
But, it’s your decision. If you don’t want pets, you don’t have to allow pets.
Service animals and companion animals are different. You cannot deny a tenant who needs a service or companion animal. Even if you’re renting out an Indianapolis property with a strict no-pets policy, you have to allow a service or support animal.
That’s because the law doesn’t see that animal as a pet.
Indianapolis Rental Property and Pets
When you rent out a pet-friendly property, you want to reduce your risk by implementing some policies and fees that tenants will agree to in order to move in with their dog or cat. Most Indianapolis landlords will require:
- Pet rent. This can be $25 to $50 per month per pet, paid in addition to the regular monthly rent.
- Pet deposits. This is a refundable payment that tenants make before moving in. You can use the deposit to pay for any pet damage, but you’ll have to refund whatever wasn’t used and document what was spent.
- Pet fees. This is a non-refundable sum that tenants will pay for the convenience of bringing a pet with them when they move into your property.
Your pet policy might also require that you or your Indianapolis property manager can inspect the property more frequently throughout the lease term, to ensure no damage is being done by the pet. You can restrict the type of pets that are permitted, including their size, breed, and age.
Service Animals and Companion Animals
There is a difference between a service animal and a companion animal. What they have in common is that they’re not pets.
Service animals perform a specific function for people with disabilities. They are always dogs, and they are trained and identified. These are typically Seizure dogs or Seeing-Eye dogs. The reason that a tenant needs a service animal is often evident, so asking for details is not permitted.
Companion animals are not specifically trained. They provide support and comfort to people with disabilities. You can require a note from a medical professional that indicates a tenant’s need for the companion or support animal.
With both types of animals, the law sees them as accommodations and not pets. That’s why you cannot deny a tenant who needs a service or companion animal. You cannot charge pet rent, pet deposits, or pet fees for your tenant who has a service animal. You cannot run the dog through our pet screening service.
It’s easy to make a mistake with fair housing laws, service animals, and support animals. Unfortunately, these mistakes are often expensive. We’d be happy to help you stay compliant. Contact us about your pet policy, your service animal requirements, and what the difference is between a service and a companion animal. We can help you stay legally compliant and avoid expensive mistakes.
Contact us at Red Door Property Management.
