Dear Monica: I have a condo I am trying to rent and the main obstacle for prospective tenants so far has been that I won’t allow pets. The condo rules allow small pets but I don’t want a renter with a pet to cause expensive damage. What do you think I should do? Rick D.

 

Dear Rick: Pets are an issue for many landlords and renters. Renters who are allowed to have pets are usually so grateful for this and are willing to pay a substantial pet deposit to offset any damage the pet does. If you are having trouble renting your condo and you know that the pet policy is the reason, I would encourage you to evaluate any request on a case-by-case basis, and if the pet is smaller and well-trained, to allow it and charge an appropriate pet deposit.