9 Easy Tips

Reduce Pet Make Ready Costs

By Erica Rascón on Feb 27, 2020 in News

Pet-friendly policies can help a community thrive. Pet messes and odors, however, can increase your “make ready” costs and cause resident complaints. We’ve identified a few pet-friendly tips that will help residents enjoy their furry roommates while keeping your costs low and renter satisfaction high.

Poor pet maintenance will cost you

Tenant turnover costs vary due to several factors. Many sources place the costs between $1,000 to $5,000. Apartments that housed pets are often on the higher end of the spectrum. Such “make ready” costs can unnecessarily increase your operating costs.

Replacing carpets and deep cleaning solid flooring is to be expected. Replacing chewed baseboards and door molding, fumigating odors, and replacing cat-clawed screen doors, however, can cost more than the security deposit covers.

Then there are is pets’ impact on resident satisfaction. The dog upstairs that constantly barks or the odors wafting through the ventilation system may make neighboring residents reconsider their lease renewal.

You can empower residents with tips to keep their pets on their best behavior. If they adapt just one new skill, it can save you hundreds of dollars or more.

Tips to pass on to residents

Tone is everything. Use your neighborhood portal and email list to distribute the tips below to your residents. Keep the tone lighthearted and informal. But most importantly, let residents know how these tips will benefits them.

1. Got indoor odors? Pick up after your pets outside and encourage your neighbor to do the same. Spending time outdoors with your pet is great for the both of you! But people who do not pick up after their pets outside are part of the reason why apartments don’t smell fresh inside. Think of this: your dog and your neighbor’s dog relieve themselves in the grass. Neither of you cleans up afterwards. While most pets are good about avoiding each other’s mounds—what happens after it rains? Once the mower runs? That matter is spread and, inevitably, your pet will walk through it and track it back into your home.
2. Hire a friend for your furry roommate. Bored pets are destructive pets. Pets require exercise and stimulation to stay healthy. Such activities can also keep them from chewing household items, destroying furniture, and making messes on carpets and hardwoods.

Hire a professional pet sitter to play with your cat, take your dog for potty brakes, and go for walks. Having play breaks throughout the day lets pets burn off energy.

3. Line your pet’s favorite spot. Use a blanket to line your pet’s favorite place on the couch. When it gets smelly or dirt, you can toss it into the washer and avoid deep cleaning your upholstery. If your pet has a favorite place on the floor, consider thick bathmats. They’re often cheaper than dog beds and easier to wash.
4. Bathe your pet and supplies at least once every 4-6 weeks. Pets need baths about once per month. It’s not much, and it goes a long way towards managing odors. Additionally, pet beds, toys, and other items can hold odors. Clean them as least once a month to keep them in tip-top shape and odor-free.
5. Lidded litterboxes save the day. It may be $10 more expensive, but the lid on a litterbox serves several helpful purposes. First, it minimizes odors. Sprinkle the litter with baking soda for extra odor-fighting power. Secondly, it minimizes child and dog access. Thirdly, it’s an easy way to help the litterbox integrate with home décor. Perfect!
6. Deodorize carpets with baking soda. Baking soda is a cheap, easy and effective way to deodorize carpets. Simply sprinkle baking soda onto the carpet and let it sit for a few hours, then vacuum it up. The baking soda traps and lifts odors.
7. Pick pet-friendly area rugs. Select rugs that are low pile and easy to clean. Rug squares may be even better, since you can easily replace heavily soiled areas.
8. Don’t forget your curtains! Curtains are an often-overlooked décor item that absorbs odors. Launder curtains regularly to keep your home smelling fresh and inviting.
9. Use fresh air, the natural cleaner. Make it a weekly ritual (if not daily) to open the windows and let in fresh air. Remember to open doors throughout the home to promote a cross breeze. Open windows and doors help the air inside of an apartment circulate.

Now to toss in marketing

As you’re offering helpful advice to renters, don’t forget to add plugs for your own products and services. Got a pet washing station? Include its hours and costs. Have a contract with pet sitters or dry cleaners? Include their contact information and any community discounts. These small, value-add features can improve resident satisfaction with little effort on your part.