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. 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...

Much ink has been spilled on the topic of Millennials and their influence on the modern workplace. This tech-savvy generation is willing to change tracks towards a more satisfying career path, and able to ride the rough waves of the gig economy. Millennials’ demand for a lively urban life is driving the revival of downtowns across the nation, and the development and expansion of a new office design plan: the coworking office. To go with this new office concept, employers are further trying to entice workers with a series of office perks that address the preferences and values of this generation. Office listings platform COMMERCIALCafé looked at one of the most recent additions to the growing range of work benefits―the option of bringing your pet to work―and compiled a list of the 50+ most pet-friendly coworking hubs in the U.S. Peruse the list below and read on for more details about the pros and cons of bringing pets to the office. The list is by no means comprehensive and remains open to suggestions. Among the venues that caught our attention is the whimsically named CO+HOOTS in Phoenix―recently acclaimed one of the most innovative coworking spaces in the U.S.―which invites visitors to meet the office dogs. Strongbox West in Atlanta―the city’s oldest coworking space―is not only a self-declared dog-friendly office, but a veritable ‘doggy daycare operation.’ The Box Jelly in Honolulu holds different events for owners and their pets, and they don’t shy away from welcoming unconventional companions. If you’re considering adopting a pet-friendly policy in your office, it’s good to weigh both pros and cons. There are several benefits of spending your workday with your beloved furry friend. For one, you can stop worrying about its safety and hurrying out the door as soon...

Welcoming pets onto your property was your first step in the right direction. Nearly 70 percent of U.S. households own a pet, reports the 2017-2018 National Pet Owners Survey. Pet-friendly apartments appeal to a broader spectrum of households. But don’t stop there! Several properties in your area are also pet friendly. What makes you different?  Outshine Your Competitors  The pet-centric, value-add services below can help you stand out in prospects’ minds. For your existing residents, the services encourage compliance with property regulations. When residents develop a relationship with the property staff and other pet owners, it improves the likelihood that the resident will care about the pet community at the property. 4 Fun Value-Add Ideas The best value-add ideas are beneficial for your property and its residents.  Small investments in communal spaces go a long way towards a tidy property and happy pet owners. Include pet waste disposal bags and trash can stations throughout your property’s walking trails and dog park. Water bowls and treats at the dog park also make a nice addition. Local discount programs are a terrific way to showcase the conveniences of your neighborhood. Simultaneously, you’re offering incentives to prospects and residents. Negotiate discounts or loyalty rewards opportunities with nearby veterinarians, groomers, pet sitters and walkers. Promote pet daycare services like Wag, Rover, and local boarding businesses. When pets are given supervised breaks to play and potty, they’re less likely to damage the unit they live in. Promoting daycare services is free for you and cuts costs for your property. Make your pet community a selling point by using RentCafe SMS messaging, email, blog, and social media. This is a great way to market your pet-focused events such as adoption events, walking groups, pet hack workshops, volunteer opportunities, and more. What...