How to Prepare Your Brooklyn Apartment for a Fresh Start after Pet Occupancy

Allowing tenants to have pets is a great way to boost your number of renters. However, it can also add difficulty when it comes to cleaning between tenants. Cleaning and maintenance can be challenging without pets. Here are some helpful tips to make this process easier and less expensive for you and your current and future tenants.

1. Inspect and Assess with Before and After Photos

Before you even allow your tenants to bring in pets, take photos of what the property looked like before they moved in. This way, you can compare these photos to photos you take when they move out. If there is significant damage, you will have evidence so the tenants cannot say the damage was there before moving in. Be sure that there are clear photos of every area of the apartment and that damage photos are not exaggerated.

2. Communicate Clearly with Tenants

While renting your property, communicating with tenants can help ensure that your space will be easily cleaned once they move out. Check in on the space occasionally to ensure things look good and see if your tenants need any advice for cleaning with pets. Also, ensure that your policies regarding pets, maintenance, and cleaning are clearly outlined in your lease and available in case your tenants have any questions or need clarification.

3. Involve Tenants in the Cleaning Process

Before your tenants with pets move out, encourage them to help clean by doing a preliminary cleaning. Provide them with tips and tricks for cleaning with pets, including using damp rubber gloves to pick up pet hair from surfaces such as furniture. If your tenants can remove most of the pet hair and dirt, your cleaning job will be easier.

4. Choose Easy-to-Clean Fabrics and Surfaces

If you provide furniture for tenants, consider swapping out furniture and other decorative fabrics for ones that can be easily cleaned. Opt for a material that can be thoroughly washed with soap and water and still look new. Consider swapping out carpets for hardwood or tile in some rooms to avoid further messes. Make these swaps between tenants so you do not disturb current tenants.

5. Professional Carpet Cleaning

Pet hair and dirt can be challenging to clean, especially from carpets. Professional carpet cleaners have the knowledge and equipment to handle even the toughest pet jobs. It may cost more than cleaning the carpets yourself, but this way, the carpets will be clean for the next tenants. This is especially important if your new tenants have allergies to pets.

6. Manage Security Deposits and Renter’s Insurance

When you inspect before cleaning, list the damages that were left, including ones from pets. Damage caused by pets can be covered by the security deposit you collected when your tenants signed the lease. Document damage using photos from before they moved in and after the damage was done. Additionally, check if your tenants have renter’s insurance that covers damages caused by pets. Encourage tenants to have renter’s insurance, especially those with pets, to aid in covering cleaning and repair costs.

7. Invest in Comprehensive Landlord Insurance

As a landlord, having landlord insurance that covers pet damage is crucial, especially since your tenants’ renter’s insurance policy may not cover the damage. Ensure your insurance covers pet-related damages, offering you a safety net for any unforeseen costs related to cleaning and repairs.

Wrapping Up: A Fresh Start in Brooklyn

Transitioning into a new apartment in Brooklyn, especially after pet occupancy, requires a bit of extra effort to ensure a fresh and inviting living space. By following these tips and implementing proactive measures, you can streamline the cleaning process and make the transition smooth for both you and your tenants. A clean start sets the stage for a wonderful living experience.

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