refundable pet deposit, or even adding a monthly fee on top of the rent. Find out the standard—as well as what’s legal—in your area. If you’ve decided “no pets,” do your due diligence to ensure tenants don’t attempt to sneak pets in. One way is through regular inspections; another way is through social media (are they posting pictures with pets?). If this happens, tell them: “I found out on social media that you have pets. If you’re planning on bringing them with you, we need to deal with this now, as you’ve agreed to no pets. I’ll be checking up on this house after you move, and if any pets or evidence of pets are found, I’ll be filing for eviction.” • Will you allow smokers? Smokers can cause of lot of issues for landlords and homeowners; as a result, most prefer non-smokers. This allows for fewer issues with the home (smell, stains, etc.) and higher chances for a continued influx of good tenants. Smokers are not a protected legal class under federal laws, so you are legally allowed to refuse tenancy to smokers federally, but you might want to check with your attorney to ensure smokers aren’t a protected legal class under local laws. If you do decide to open up your home to smokers, think about the specific requirements, such as smoking outdoors only or a certain distance from the home. • What are the income requirements? Income is another major area to cover. After all, you need tenants who can pay their rent—in full and on time! In most cases, this means checking the tenant’s paystubs to make sure they earn a minimum of X.
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