Should I Allow Pets in My Rental Home?

One of the more common questions we get from property owners is:
“Should I allow pets in my rental home?”

It’s a great question — because pets can attract great tenants, but they can also bring risk.

I’m Mendell Gosnell with Centurion Real Estate Management, and today we’ll look at the pros and cons of allowing pets, what Oregon law says, and how Centurion protects your property either way.

WHY THIS QUESTION MATTERS 

More than 65% of renters own a pet, and that number keeps rising.

If you don’t allow pets, you’re automatically cutting your potential tenant pool in half — and your property may stay vacant longer.

But saying yes without safeguards can lead to property damage, noise, or liability issues.

The key is finding the balance — and setting clear rules.

THE ADVANTAGES OF ALLOWING PETS

There are real advantages to allowing pets — when it’s managed correctly:

A larger tenant pool — more applications and faster leasing.
Longer tenancies — pet owners tend to move less frequently.
Higher rent potential — many tenants willingly pay a premium for pet-friendly housing.

At Centurion, we find that well-screened pet owners often make some of the best long-term residents.

THE RISKS 

Of course, there are risks:
• Scratched floors or doors
• Odors or carpet damage
• Noise complaints or neighbor conflicts

That’s why having a clear, enforceable pet policy is critical — one that defines the number, size, and type of pets allowed, requires documentation, and includes deposits or pet rent.

OREGON LAW & FAIR HOUSING RULES

In Oregon, landlords can legally charge a refundable pet deposit as long as it’s clearly written in the lease.

However — service animals and emotional-support animals are not pets.
You cannot charge fees or deny a qualified applicant because of a verified assistance animal.

Centurion’s leasing team stays fully compliant with Fair Housing and ADA rules to protect both owners and tenants.

HOW CENTURION HANDLES PETS 

Here’s how we manage pets the right way:

• Pre-approval and screening — every pet goes through a third-party verification system.
• Pet agreements and extra deposit — customized for your property.
• Ongoing monitoring — inspections verify compliance and property condition.
• Pet Damage Protection Guarantee – peace of mind

This structured approach lets us capture the benefits while minimizing risk.

WHEN TO SAY NO 

There are times when it’s best to restrict or limit pets — for example,
in high-end units with specialty flooring, properties with shared yards, or HOAs with pet restrictions.

The decision should always be based on the property — not emotion.

Whether you decide to allow pets or not, the key is having the right systems in place.

At Centurion Real Estate Management, we help landlords make smart, data-based policy decisions that attract great tenants and protect your investment.