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Pets on Property: How Multifamily Managers Can Keep Track


We all love our four-legged friends, but they can impact a multifamily property.

Property managers need to be aware of in-unit animals. The issue of unreported pets is a problem that has long plagued the multifamily industry. Unreported pets can create legal issues, loss of profits, and damage to the property.

This complex issue is difficult to address. It’s easy for residents to hide the fact that they have a pet living with them. Moreso, tenants who have one registered animal oftentimes will grow their furry family without reporting the new additions.

However, there are ways that your multifamily management team can get a hold of this issue. Here are 3 expert tips:

Perform Regular Pet Audits

Keeping up with on-property pets isn’t easy. In order to have an accurate gauge on the number of furry-friends on-site, it’s a good idea to add regular pet audits into the process.

There are many ways to go about performing pet audits, some of which are extremely straightforward while others fall under the radar.

One option is to add an annual pet audit during the renewal period. When it’s time to resign that lease, make sure to revisit the issue of in-unit animals. This cuts straight to the point and allows your tenants to register any undocumented pets immediately rather than having to take extra steps.

Property managers who are looking to keep the audit low-key have plenty of options, too.

One method is to add the audit to the inspection process. When a team member is entering the property for preventative maintenance on plumbing or smoke alarms, have them take note of how many animals are on-site and their characteristics. Once the inspections are complete, you can compare the data they gathered with what’s on file and see if anything is amiss.

Monitor With Surveillance

Property managers can use their multifamily surveillance system to see who has what pet. Whether it’s for a walk, vet appointment, or a trip to the dog park; pet owners will undoubtedly be taking their animals out of the unit. If the property has cameras set up, you should have a recording of the residents and their pets.

Try adding a ‘pet-watch’ program to the security team’s surveillance process. It’s easy to take note of whatever animals you see coming and going from the apartment unit. This is a good hands-off approach to keeping track of pets in multifamily.

Use Screening when Approving Residents with Pets

Approving multifamily applicants with pets can be a hassle. The management team needs to see if the pet is a good fit for the community, if they meet all of the building’s pet policies, and any other specific issues.

To make this time-consuming step more efficient, use a tech-powered software to help screen your prospective tenants. These screening softwares streamline the process, all while giving you extremely accurate data and logistics.

These 3 tips will help multifamily managers keep track of the pets living in their communities, helping to mitigate liabilities and boost profits.

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