Tenants in Frisco are more likely than ever to ask one critical question during their rental search: “Do you allow pets?” With pets being a non-negotiable part of many households, landlords who say “yes”—and have a smart system in place—can significantly boost rental income and tenant retention. But allowing pets isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. It takes thoughtful planning, legal awareness, and clear lease terms to turn a pet policy into a profitable, low-risk decision.
If you're still deciding whether a pet-friendly approach makes sense for your investment, this overview of the pros and cons of allowing pets in your rental property is a great starting point.
Key Takeaways
- Pet-friendly homes in Frisco attract long-term renters and reduce vacancy rates
- Charging pet rent, fees, and deposits can mitigate risk and increase cash flow
- Lease agreements should include detailed pet policies and enforcement terms
- Landlords must distinguish between pets, service animals, and ESAs under Texas law
- Screening both tenants and their animals minimizes future property issues
Frisco Tenants Want Homes That Welcome Pets
In a city like Frisco, where active lifestyles and family-centered living are the norm, pets are practically part of the household. Tenants today want spaces where their furry companions are welcome—and if your listing doesn’t accommodate that, you’re likely losing out to the competition.
Pet-friendly rentals naturally appeal to more committed tenants, particularly families and professionals who plan to stay in one place longer. When renters know they won’t have to give up their pet, they’re more likely to sign longer leases, take care of the property, and treat the space as their own.
Boost Income with Pet Rent, Fees, and Deposits
Allowing pets does introduce risk—but it also opens the door to extra income. By charging appropriate fees and deposits, landlords can create a financial buffer for potential wear and tear while increasing total rental revenue.
Consider these common fee structures:
- Pet Rent: Monthly charge per pet (typically $25–$50)
- Non-Refundable Pet Fee: One-time payment to cover additional cleaning or prep costs
- Pet Deposit: Refundable amount to cover any damage, returned if no issues are found at move-out
Be sure to explain each charge clearly in your lease agreement to avoid disputes. Tenants should understand what’s refundable, what isn’t, and under what circumstances deductions may be made.
Prepare Your Frisco Property for Pet Occupants
Before you allow pets, take proactive steps to make your rental more durable and pet-friendly. These upgrades can reduce damage and save you money in the long term.
Smart upgrades include:
- Installing scratch- and stain-resistant flooring like luxury vinyl plank or tile
- Applying washable paint finishes on walls for easier maintenance
- Choosing durable window coverings that are safe for pets
- Adding fencing to protect outdoor areas
- Setting up clearly marked pet waste stations in shared spaces
These small investments go a long way in preserving your property’s condition while making the home more attractive to pet-owning tenants.
Build a Lease That Covers Every Pet Policy Detail
Vague lease terms can create massive headaches. Your lease should include a specific pet addendum that outlines the rules, responsibilities, and consequences for pet-related issues.
Your pet agreement should cover:
- Approval process: List allowable pet types, breeds, sizes, and require proof of vaccinations
- Fee structure: Clearly break down pet rent, non-refundable fees, and deposit terms
- Behavior expectations: Include leash rules, noise guidelines, and cleanup responsibilities
- Violation consequences: Describe the penalties for breaking pet rules, including possible eviction
Including a separate and signed pet addendum protects your legal rights while giving tenants a clear roadmap for responsible pet ownership.
Know the Difference Between Pets and Assistance Animals
Texas landlords are legally required to differentiate between regular pets and animals designated as service or emotional support animals (ESAs). Misclassifying these animals can lead to costly fair housing violations.
While pet fees and deposits are standard for most animals, you may not apply them to verified assistance animals. For Frisco property owners, this is where it’s crucial to understand the legal boundaries.
For more clarity, this Frisco landlord's guide to service and emotional support animals breaks down exactly how to handle each category within your lease.
Legal considerations:
- You cannot charge pet fees or deposits for service animals or ESAs
- You cannot deny housing based on a tenant's need for an assistance animal
- You can request documentation for ESAs (not required for service animals)
- You can enforce behavior-related lease terms if the animal causes damage or disturbance
Being informed protects both your investment and your compliance record.
Inspections and Maintenance: Keep Wear and Tear in Check
Even well-behaved pets can accelerate normal wear and tear. The solution? Stay ahead of it with a proactive maintenance routine and regular property inspections.
Tips to stay on top of pet-related issues:
- Conduct biannual or quarterly inspections
- Replace rugs, baseboards, or soft furnishings more frequently if pets are present
- Use pet-friendly checklists during move-in and move-out inspections
- Install protective features like door guards or scratch plates
Regular maintenance ensures that any damage is caught early—before it becomes expensive.
Screen Both the Tenant and the Pet
You wouldn’t hand over your rental to a tenant without a background check—so why allow a pet in without a screening process? A dual screening approach helps you filter out problematic animals and irresponsible owners.
Ask applicants to provide:
- Breed, age, weight, and temperament details for each pet
- Proof of up-to-date vaccinations and flea/tick treatments
- Rental history related to pet behavior and cleanliness
- References from previous landlords, if available
- A short video or in-person meet-and-greet with the animal, if feasible
When done right, this process can save you from future property damage, neighbor complaints, or lease violations.
If you're unsure where to begin, PMI Frisco offers lease enforcement strategies that help you manage tenant responsibilities—including those related to pets.
Handling Unauthorized Pets the Right Way
Sometimes tenants try to bypass the process and bring in pets without permission. It’s important to handle these situations quickly and professionally.
Recommended steps:
- Issue a formal lease violation notice
- Conduct an inspection to determine if any damage has occurred
- Offer a corrective path (e.g., signing a pet addendum and paying applicable fees)
- Apply lease penalties or initiate termination if the tenant refuses to comply
Clear, consistent enforcement reinforces your expectations and helps maintain control over your rental.
Maximize Rental Value While Minimizing Risk
Opening your property to pets doesn’t have to mean opening the door to chaos. With a strong lease, thorough screening, and smart maintenance, Frisco landlords can tap into a growing tenant base without sacrificing peace of mind.
PMI Frisco helps local property owners create custom pet policies, screen tenants effectively, and ensure long-term property health. Whether you're dealing with dogs, cats, or emotional support animals, we’ll help you get it right.
Strengthen Your Lease, Protect Your Investment
Saying “yes” to pets can be a win-win—but only when it's backed by solid policies and smart support. As Frisco continues to attract renters looking for pet-friendly homes, landlords who adapt will see better results and fewer vacancies.
PMI Frisco is here to make sure you’re ready. If you want to build stronger tenant relationships and reduce risk, explore our tenant screening services today and start protecting your investment from day one.
FAQs
Q1: Can I limit the number or type of pets in my Frisco rental?
Yes, landlords can set breed, size, or quantity restrictions as long as they’re clearly outlined in the lease and do not apply to assistance animals.
Q2: What documentation can I request for emotional support animals?
You may request a letter from a licensed healthcare provider verifying the tenant’s need for an ESA, but not for service animals.
Q3: Are pet deposits required by law in Texas?
No, but they are highly recommended as part of your protection strategy. Just be sure they are clearly stated in the lease agreement.
Q4: How often should I inspect my rental if it’s pet-friendly?
At least twice a year, but quarterly inspections are ideal for catching pet-related issues early.
Q5: What if a tenant brings in a pet without notifying me?
Follow your lease enforcement protocol. Issue a notice, conduct an inspection, and either resolve the issue with a pet agreement or pursue penalties per the lease terms.
