For many Murray renters, their pets are part of the family—and they’re only considering homes that welcome them. This shift in renter expectations presents a real opportunity for landlords who are willing to accommodate pets responsibly. The key is to have a structured system that minimizes risk and maximizes rental income. From crafting clear lease terms to setting appropriate pet fees and screening criteria, the success of a pet-friendly policy depends on the groundwork you lay from the beginning. For a quick primer, this post on how often to inspect rental property can help ensure your property stays in top shape even with pets.
Key Takeaways
- Pet-friendly policies attract more applicants and reduce tenant turnover
- Pet rent and deposits provide a financial cushion for maintenance costs
- A lease addendum with specific pet rules protects your property
- Landlords must follow legal guidelines for support animals versus pets
- Tenant and pet screening prevent avoidable behavior and damage issues
Why Pet-Friendly Rentals Are Gaining Popularity in Murray
Utah’s Wasatch Front is known for its active lifestyle, open spaces, and pet-loving communities. In Murray, that means more and more renters are looking for housing options that allow their pets to come along.
For landlords, this growing demand creates an advantage—especially when you're competing with similar listings. Tenants with pets are typically more settled and less likely to move often, which translates into longer leases and fewer turnover costs.
Use Pet Fees and Deposits to Balance the Risk
Welcoming pets doesn’t mean you’re accepting damage as a given. With the right fee structure, you can protect your property while generating additional income from tenants who are more than willing to pay a little extra for their furry companions.
Common charges include:
- Monthly Pet Rent: $25–$50 per pet
- Non-Refundable Pet Fee: A one-time cleaning or sanitation fee
- Refundable Pet Deposit: Returned after move-out if no damage occurs
Spell out all these terms in your lease to prevent misunderstandings later. Make sure tenants know what’s refundable and what’s not.
Prepare Your Property to Handle Pet Tenants
Before advertising your rental as pet-friendly, take steps to ensure it can handle the added wear. A few smart upgrades can save you thousands in long-term maintenance and repairs.
Recommended improvements for Murray rentals:
- Replace carpet with vinyl plank or tile flooring for durability
- Use semi-gloss or satin paint for easy wall cleaning
- Install chew- and scratch-resistant window coverings
- Add fencing to secure outdoor spaces
- If managing multi-unit properties, set up pet waste stations outdoors
These improvements increase the appeal of your rental to responsible pet owners and reduce your long-term maintenance load. For more strategies, this article on rental maintenance coordination outlines who handles costs and when.
Don’t Leave Pet Policies Open to Interpretation
Allowing pets in your rental doesn’t mean you should be vague about the terms. A clear and legally enforceable pet addendum helps protect your investment and prevent future disputes.
What to include in your lease:
- Approval Process: Define types, breeds, sizes, and required vaccination records
- Fee Structure: List all costs and whether they are refundable
- Behavior Guidelines: Set expectations around noise, cleanliness, and leash usage
- Violation Consequences: Detailed penalties for damage, nuisance, or unauthorized pets
Clarity from the start helps build mutual understanding and gives you a documented path to enforcement when needed.
Know the Legal Distinction Between Pets and Assistance Animals
You may be able to restrict pets, but when it comes to service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs), the law says otherwise. Utah landlords must comply with the Fair Housing Act, which treats these animals differently from pets.
What landlords in Murray need to know:
- You cannot charge fees or deposits for verified assistance animals
- You cannot deny housing due to a tenant’s medical need for a service animal or ESA
- You can request ESA documentation, but not for service animals
- You can enforce general rules like leash use or cleanup
Improperly classifying assistance animals as pets is a legal misstep. Brush up on the differences between pets and support animals to stay compliant.
Schedule Regular Inspections to Prevent Damage
Even the most well-behaved pets can cause occasional damage. The best way to stay ahead of issues is through consistent inspections and proactive maintenance.
Inspection best practices:
- Inspect your property every 3–6 months
- Use pet-specific move-in and move-out checklists
- Look for signs of odors, stains, scratch marks, or structural wear
- Take photos and document any changes over time
Inspections are not just about monitoring damage—they also communicate to tenants that you're actively involved, encouraging them to follow the rules.
Screen Pets Just Like You Screen Tenants
A good pet policy starts with proper screening. Allowing a tenant’s pet without checking temperament, behavior, or history is a risk you don’t have to take.
What to ask during pet screening:
- Age, breed, and weight
- Vaccination and flea/tick treatment records
- Previous rental history involving pets
- Photos or a video of the pet
- References from past landlords
When in doubt, arrange a brief meet-and-greet. This not only helps you spot red flags, but also sends the message that your pet policy is serious.
What to Do When Tenants Break the Rules
Unapproved pets are more common than you might think. Whether it’s a surprise puppy or a long-term visitor, it’s important to handle violations immediately and according to your lease terms.
Steps for addressing unauthorized pets:
- Send a written lease violation notice
- Schedule a prompt inspection
- Provide an option to comply (e.g., pay fees and sign the pet addendum)
- Enforce penalties or take legal action if the tenant refuses
Enforcement needs to be consistent. Making exceptions weakens your position and invites more violations.
A Structured Pet Policy Is a Win-Win
Creating a pet-friendly rental doesn’t mean giving up control—it means having systems that work. With smart screening, detailed lease terms, and regular inspections, landlords in Murray can accommodate pet owners while still protecting their investments.
Pet-friendly rentals appeal to a wider audience, increase tenant loyalty, and open the door to added revenue. But it all comes down to the details—and PMI Wasatch Front can help you manage them every step of the way.
Build Smarter Leasing Policies with PMI Wasatch Front
A good pet policy goes beyond allowing animals—it’s about creating structure that supports your property’s long-term value. At PMI Wasatch Front, we help Murray landlords streamline pet screening, lease enforcement, and maintenance systems. If you’re ready to attract better tenants and reduce risk, start here with our tenant screening services and take the stress out of pet policies for good.
FAQs
Can I limit the size or breed of pets in my Murray rental?
Yes, you can include size and breed restrictions in your lease, as long as they don’t conflict with legal requirements for assistance animals.
What happens if a tenant has a pet without permission?
Refer to your lease violation process. Typically, you can issue a notice, inspect the property, and require the tenant to pay fees or face penalties.
Are landlords in Utah allowed to charge non-refundable pet fees?
Yes, as long as the fee is clearly outlined in the lease and not applied to service or emotional support animals.
How often should I inspect a pet-friendly property?
We recommend inspections every 3–6 months to catch any damage early and reinforce policy compliance.
What’s the difference between a pet deposit and pet rent?
Pet rent is a recurring monthly fee; a pet deposit is a refundable security held in case of damage caused by the pet. Both should be detailed in your lease.
