Not every rental property owner sets out to become a landlord—but whether you’re intentional about it or stumbled into the role, navigating tenant expectations is essential. In Brainerd, one expectation stands out: pet-friendly housing. Renters today view their pets as family, and properties that say "yes" to pets often gain a competitive edge. But without structure, saying “yes” could expose your property to preventable risk.
The good news? You can welcome pets without sacrificing your standards. When paired with proactive planning, thoughtful lease terms, and a few practical updates, pet-friendly leasing becomes not just safe—but profitable. If you're not sure where to begin, start with this overview of pet policy pros and cons.
Key Takeaways
- Pet-friendly homes in Brainerd rent faster and attract a broader tenant pool
- Monthly pet fees and deposits offer protection and passive income
- Service animals and ESAs must be treated differently under Fair Housing laws
- Clear pet policies improve enforceability and prevent misunderstandings
- Timely enforcement of violations preserves lease integrity
Why Brainerd Renters Want Pet-Friendly Housing
Surrounded by lakes, parks, and outdoor attractions, Brainerd is a dream location for pet lovers. Local renters often prioritize pet accommodations over other amenities, and when pet-friendly units are limited, those that allow animals rent out quickly—often with longer lease commitments.
Refusing pets might feel safer, but it could lead to missed opportunities. The right pet policy doesn’t just reduce risk—it positions your rental as a top contender for quality tenants.
Profitable Add-Ons: Making Room for Pet Revenue
Pet-friendly rentals do more than fill vacancies—they generate income. With smart pricing structures and clear lease language, you can offset pet-related wear and still maintain profitability.
Here’s how landlords can benefit:
- Pet Rent: A recurring monthly fee ($25–$50 per pet) increases passive revenue
- Non-Refundable Pet Fees: These cover standard cleaning or pet-specific maintenance
- Refundable Deposits: A safety net that allows recovery of unexpected damage costs
Since many pet owners stay longer due to limited rental options, your turnover costs may also drop—further increasing long-term returns.
Pet-Proofing Your Property for Longevity
Before you open your doors to tenants with pets, it's smart to make a few preventative upgrades that keep your property durable and low-maintenance.
Pet-Ready Upgrades for Brainerd Rentals:
- Swap carpet for hard flooring like vinyl plank or tile
- Use stain-resistant, easy-to-clean paint finishes
- Require tenants to hold renters’ insurance with pet liability coverage
- Perform seasonal walkthroughs to ensure no damage is being overlooked—this is especially effective when paired with routine property maintenance tips
With minimal upfront investment, you’ll save money and hassle down the line.
Drafting a Lease Addendum That Covers All Bases
Verbal agreements won’t cut it. A clearly worded lease addendum ensures that tenants understand and agree to pet-related expectations and consequences.
Your Pet Policy Should Include:
Approval Terms
- Specify species, breed, size, and number limits
- Require documentation like vaccination records and pet photos
Financial Requirements
- List pet rent, fees, and refundable deposits with due dates and conditions
Behavioral Expectations
- Enforce leash use, waste removal, noise control, and common area restrictions
Enforcement Terms
- Detail violation protocols, fine schedules, and escalation processes
- Include a clause for handling unauthorized animals or damage
The more thorough your policy, the easier it will be to enforce fairly and consistently.
Know the Law: Pets vs. Assistance Animals
Under the Fair Housing Act, emotional support animals (ESAs) and service animals must be accommodated—even if you have a no-pet policy.
As a Brainerd landlord, you may NOT:
- Charge pet rent or deposits for ESAs or service animals
- Deny housing due to the presence of these animals
You may:
- Request documentation for ESAs (not for service animals)
- Enforce cleanliness, control, and general safety rules
- Address behavior issues that pose a legitimate safety risk
Understanding these distinctions ensures compliance while protecting your property.
Easy Upgrades to Improve Pet Readiness
Making your property pet-friendly doesn’t require major renovations. Small changes can make a big impact in both durability and appeal.
Quick, Effective Changes Include:
- Replace blinds with washable window treatments
- Use dog-safe gravel or mulch in outdoor areas to prevent digging
- Add fencing to designate pet areas and boost property value
- Create a move-out checklist specific to pet-owning tenants
These improvements can also help justify higher deposits and minimize cleaning conflicts during turnover.
Screening Tenants—and Their Pets
Don’t skip the pet part of the screening process. Responsible pet owners typically have well-trained animals—and that's exactly the kind of tenant you want.
Best Screening Practices:
- Ask for references from former landlords
- Require a pet profile including breed, age, size, and known behavior issues
- Confirm renters’ insurance covers pet liability
- Meet the pet in person when possible, especially if you have concerns about breed or temperament
If tenant screening feels overwhelming, especially for those new to the business, here are clear signs that it’s time to hire help.
Dealing with Unauthorized Pets the Right Way
Even with airtight policies, violations happen. Whether accidental or deliberate, unauthorized pets need to be addressed quickly and consistently.
Response Strategies:
If a tenant admits the violation:
- Inspect for damage
- Amend the lease with a formal pet addendum and begin collecting fees
- Reiterate the rules in writing
If the tenant denies it:
- Collect supporting evidence (photos, neighbor complaints, signs of pet presence)
- Issue a formal notice of lease violation
- Follow through with appropriate consequences based on your lease terms
Clear policies only work when consistently enforced.
Pet Policies That Pay Off
Pet-friendly leasing isn’t just a trend—it’s a practical strategy that meets modern tenant expectations while improving your bottom line. When combined with proactive planning and smart safeguards, you can confidently say yes to pets and still protect your Brainerd property.
Partner with PMI Minnesota for a Better Leasing Experience
At PMI Minnesota, we help Brainerd landlords create pet policies that work—from documentation and screening to maintenance and inspections. Our local expertise ensures you stay compliant, profitable, and protected. Ready to upgrade your leasing process? Explore our tenant screening solutions and see how we take the stress out of renting to pet owners.
FAQs
Can I charge both pet rent and a deposit?
Yes, as long as it’s clearly stated in the lease. These fees do not apply to service or emotional support animals.
Can I ban specific dog breeds in Brainerd?
You may set breed restrictions for pets, but these cannot apply to assistance animals covered under Fair Housing laws.
What if the pet damages my property?
You can use the pet deposit or pursue additional compensation from the tenant if damages exceed the deposit.
Do I have to meet every pet before approval?
It’s not required, but meeting the pet can help you evaluate temperament and owner control—especially for larger breeds.
How often should I inspect a pet-friendly unit?
Seasonal or quarterly inspections are ideal, especially when you’ve recently approved a new pet. Always provide proper notice.
