When renting your property you have a big decision to make: should you allow pets? 58% of Utah households have a pet, according to research from Data Pandas. By not allowing pets you are cutting off a big chunk of the market.

Your pet policy affects your rental income, property condition and tenant pool. Some landlords worry about property damage and extra maintenance, others see pets as a way to increase revenue and get long term tenants.

Should you allow pets in your rental?

Making your property pet friendly opens up big advantages. You’ll have access to a much larger pool of potential tenants, which reduces vacancy times and allows you to be more picky with quality tenants. You can also create additional income streams through pet rent, usually around $50 per month, plus pet deposits to offset the risk.

Pet owners tend to be longer term tenants because finding another pet friendly rental can be tough. Once they find a home they like they are more likely to renew their lease rather than go through another housing search. This reduced turnover saves you money on marketing and unit prep between tenants.

What are the risks and downsides of allowing pets in your rental?

Pet friendly properties have some challenges. Property damage is the biggest one, with risks of scratches, chewing or accidents that exceed standard security deposits. You’ll have higher maintenance costs for deep cleaning and odor removal between tenants plus wear and tear on flooring, carpets and fixtures.

Noise can be a problem, especially in multi-unit properties where barking can disturb neighbors. You may have to deal with complaints about pet behavior from nearby residents or issues between tenants with and without pets.

How do you protect your rental property from pet damage?

Strong pet policies help mitigate these risks. Start by collecting both a regular security deposit and a separate pet deposit. Many landlords make half the pet deposit non-refundable to cover deep cleaning costs at move-out. Document all pets thoroughly during move-in with photos and detailed information about breed, size and age.

Create detailed pet agreements that specify size limits, breed restrictions and behavior expectations. Regular property inspections help catch any issues early before they become big problems. Consider requiring proof of vaccinations and pet liability insurance from your tenants.

What about service animals in Utah?

You must allow service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs) regardless of your pet policy. ESAs need reasonable accommodation under Fair Housing laws when tenants provide proper documentation. But you can deny ESAs that pose a direct threat or would cause an undue financial burden to your property.

Local laws may restrict certain breeds or limit the number of pets allowed in rental properties. Check your local laws and insurance policies to see what the limitations are before you set your pet policy.

Allowing pets is a balance of income potential vs property risk. With proper screening, documentation and policies in place many landlords find that pet friendly properties can be profitable and manageable. Just create clear guidelines and enforce them consistently to protect your investment and take advantage of the pet friendly rental market.

Utah has been in the midst of a heat wave recently, but with temperatures about to change, it’s soon going to really feel like fall. That means it’s the ideal time to start preparing your rental property for colder weather. Here are 57 things you can do to get your investment home ready for winter.

If this seems overwhelming, reach out to us to see why ASPM is a top rated rental management company in Salt Lake City.

Exterior Maintenance

1. Inspect the roof for damaged or missing shingles: Regular inspections help prevent leaks and damage from winter storms.
2. Clean gutters and downspouts: Clearing debris ensures proper drainage and prevents ice dams.
3. Trim tree branches away from the roof and power lines: Trimming reduces the risk of branches breaking and causing damage during winter storms.
4. Check for cracks in exterior walls and seal them: Sealing cracks prevents cold air and moisture from entering the home.
5. Add exterior wall insulation if needed: Improved insulation enhances energy efficiency and tenant comfort during winter.
6. Inspect and repair window and door frames: Ensuring frames are intact prevents drafts and heat loss.
7. Caulk around windows and doors: Proper caulking minimizes air leaks, improving energy efficiency.
8. Install storm windows and doors: These provide an additional barrier against cold winds and snow.
9. Drain and store outdoor hoses: This prevents freezing and cracking during cold weather.
10. Shut off outdoor water valves and insulate spigots: Protecting plumbing from freezing temperatures reduces the risk of burst pipes.
11. Drain sprinkler systems and outdoor fountains: Emptying these systems prevents freeze damage.
12. Clean and cover outdoor furniture: Protecting furniture extends its lifespan against harsh weather conditions.
13. Inspect chimney and clean if necessary: A clean chimney ensures safe fireplace operation during winter use.
14. Check exterior paint and touch up as needed: Maintaining paint protects surfaces from moisture damage.
15. Secure loose siding or trim: Repairing loose sections prevents further damage from wind or snow.

Yard and Landscaping

16. Trim the shrubs: Pruning helps prevent damage from heavy snow accumulation on branches.
17. Remove dead plants and debris from flower beds: Cleaning up encourages healthy soil conditions for spring growth.
18. Aerate and fertilize the lawn: This prepares the lawn for healthy growth when spring arrives.
19. Mulch garden beds for insulation: Mulching protects plant roots from extreme cold temperatures.
20. Wrap delicate plants and shrubs: Insulating vulnerable plants helps them survive harsh winter conditions.
21. Store outdoor planters: Proper storage protects planters from freezing temperatures.
22. Clean and store lawn equipment: Regular maintenance ensures equipment is ready for use in spring.
23. Prepare snow removal equipment: Ensuring shovels, salt, or snow blowers are in good condition allows for efficient snow management.

Plumbing and Pipes

24. Insulate exposed pipes: Insulation prevents freezing, reducing the risk of costly repairs due to bursts.
25. Check for leaks and repair as needed: Addressing leaks early helps prevent water damage during winter months.
26. Drain water heater to remove sediment: Regular maintenance improves efficiency, ensuring hot water availability when needed most.
27. Insulate hot water pipes: Insulating these pipes reduces heat loss, saving energy costs.

HVAC System

28. Schedule professional HVAC inspection and maintenance: Regular servicing keeps heating systems running efficiently through the cold months.
29. Replace furnace filters: Clean filters improve air quality while enhancing system efficiency.
30. Clean air ducts: Clearing ducts promotes better airflow, improving heating distribution throughout the property.
31. Test thermostat for accuracy: Ensuring accurate readings helps maintain consistent indoor temperatures.

Energy Efficiency

32. Add attic insulation if needed: Proper insulation minimizes heat loss through the roof, reducing heating bills significantly.
33. Seal air leaks around windows and doors: Addressing leaks improves energy efficiency by preventing drafts.
34. Install programmable thermostats: These devices allow tenants to manage heating schedules efficiently based on their routines.
35. Reverse ceiling fan direction: Running fans clockwise pushes warm air down, enhancing heating effectiveness without additional energy use.
36. Install insulating curtains or blinds: These window treatments help retain heat indoors while adding an aesthetic touch.

Safety Measures

37. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: Regular checks ensure these devices function properly, protecting tenants from hazards.
38. Replace batteries in detectors: Fresh batteries guarantee continuous protection against fire or gas leaks throughout winter.
39. Check fire extinguishers: Ensure extinguishers are accessible, charged, and ready for emergencies that may arise in colder months.
40. Clear space around furnace: Maintaining clear areas around heaters prevents fire hazards while ensuring efficient operation.
41. Inspect electrical outlets and cords: Check for signs of wear or damage to prevent electrical fires during increased usage.

Interior Maintenance

42. Clean and inspect fireplace: Ensuring fireplaces are clean promotes safe usage during cozy winter evenings with tenants.
43. Check for drafts and add weatherstripping: Weatherstripping reduces drafts effectively while enhancing comfort levels indoors.
44. Inspect basement for moisture issues: Addressing moisture problems now prevents mold growth that can affect tenant health later on.
45. Clean dryer vents: Regular cleaning prevents lint buildup that poses fire risks associated with dryer usage during winter laundry days.
46. Lubricate door hinges and locks: Ensuring smooth operation of doors helps maintain security while preventing wear over time.

Tenant Communication

47. Provide winter maintenance instructions to tenants: Clear guidelines help tenants understand their responsibilities in maintaining the property during winter months.
48. Remind tenants about maintaining minimum heat levels: Encouraging tenants to keep their homes heated prevents frozen pipes that could lead to significant damage.
49. Inform tenants about snow removal responsibilities: Clarifying who manages snow removal helps avoid misunderstandings during heavy snowfall periods.
50. Provide emergency contact information: Ensuring tenants have access to emergency contacts fosters a sense of security during adverse weather events.

Emergency Preparedness

51. Create an emergency winter kit: Stocking essentials prepares everyone for unexpected situations during storms or power outages.
52. Stock up on ice melt and sand: Having these materials on hand facilitates safe walkways around the property during icy conditions.
53. Have a backup power source ready: Generators or battery packs provide peace of mind in case of power outages caused by severe weather conditions.
54. Know how to shut off water main in case of pipe burst: Familiarity with this process allows for quick action to minimize damage if a pipe freezes or bursts.

Professional Services

55. Arrange for gutter cleaning service: Hiring professionals ensures gutters remain clear of debris throughout winter months, preventing ice dams that can cause extensive damage later on.
56. Set up snow removal service if applicable: Having a reliable service ready ensures safe access around the property for tenants during heavy snowfall periods.
57. Schedule professional energy audit: An audit identifies areas where energy efficiency can be improved, benefiting both costs and tenant comfort.

We have seasonal maintenance checklists below:

 

 

If you own a rental in SLC, you know how important maintenance and repairs are in maintaining the value of your property, and generating cash flow month after month. However, without a proper plan for ongoing maintenance, tenants become unhappy, repairs can snowball, and ultimately this cuts into your profits.

If you’re wondering how much to budget for maintenance, check out this recent blog post we published.

Here are some tips you can use to minimize your rental property maintenance costs:

1. Conduct regular preventive and proactive maintenance inspections.

2. Respond quickly to any tenant maintenance requests.

3. Invest in energy efficient appliances like refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines.

4. Implement a thorough tenant screening process.

5. Create and follow seasonal maintenance checklists.

6. Develop long-term relationships with reliable and cost-effective vendors.

7. Educate your tenants on the proper use and care of appliances and features in the property.

8. Replace older, single-pane windows with more energy efficient windows.

9. Install a programmable thermostat to reduce energy consumption.

10. Use low maintenance and durable materials for flooring.

11. Regularly clean and maintain the home’s HVAC system, including changing the air filters.

12. Install fixtures that save water, like low-flow shower heads and toilets.

13. Invest in a preventive pest control plan to reduce possible property damage.

14. Use caulking and weather stripping to improve the home’s energy efficiency in extreme weather.

15. Replace incandescent lighting with LED bulbs or fixtures.

16. Ensure proper insulation in the property’s attic, walls and basement.

17. Regularly clean out the gutters and downspouts to prevent water damage on the home’s foundation.

18. Reduce energy consumption with smart home devices and timers.

19. Use higher quality paint to lengthen the life of the pain, and extend the time between repainting during tenant turnover.

20. Conduct proactive maintenance on the home’s plumbing system.

21. Use similar fixtures and materials for easier replacements between multiple properties.

22. Get the roof regularly inspected, maintained and repaired when necessary.

23. Use outdoor motion sensor lighting to reduce electricity usage.

24. Use durable and easy to clean surfaces in high traffic areas like hallways, the kitchen and bathrooms.

25. Conduct quick external inspections of the property on a regular basis.

26. Use water wise and drought resistant landscaping to reduce water costs.

27. Install ceiling fans to reduce air conditioning and heating costs, and improve air circulation.

28. Consider implementing a tenant incentive program for reporting maintenance issues early.

29. Use technology to monitor and optimize energy consumption across the property.

30. Treat indoor and outdoor wooden structures to prevent rot, sun decay and insect damage.

31. Maintain window coverings to prevent sun damage inside the home and keep the property cool.

32. Use high quality and durable hardware for doors and kitchen cabinets.

33. Regularly inspect the home’s foundation to identify problems before they become catastrophic.

34. Use solar powered light fixtures outdoors to reduce energy costs.

35. Use property management software to automate the process of work orders and vendors.

“I had a client needing some assistance with their rental property and Scott was great to work with. He asked thoughtful questions about their goals for the property and took time to explain each step. This made it easy to plan for what to expect using their services, which was valuable for a first time landlord. ASPM has been in business for over 10 years and has a well designed system. I look forward to referring more clients Scott’s way!”
– Trevor T.