Pet Policy

Welcome! Thanks for applying to a Best Rental Services rental property. We strive to provide mutual accountability and responsibility for the benefit of all our residents. It’s imperative that ALL our residents fully understand and acknowledge our pet and animal-related policies. This ensures we have formalized pet and animal-related policy acknowledgments and more accurate records to create greater mutual accountability.

We use a third-party service, PetScreening, to ensure all applicants understand how to adhere to the property's pet and animal policies, even if you do not have a pet or animal. All applicants should complete a Pet, No Pet, or Animal Profile. A new application and fee is required each 12 month lease term.

Please get started by selecting a profile category on our landing page.

No Pets or Animals – Start Here Household Pets – Start Here Assistance Animals – Start Here

Pet & Animal Policy

This Pet Policy Addendum is an integral part of the Lease Agreement between Tampa’s Best Realty DBA Best Rental Services ("Landlord") and the Tenant(s) for the rental property located at [Address]. This Addendum sets forth the terms and conditions regarding the keeping of pet(s) on the Premises.

  1. Approval and Screening:
    Tenant(s) shall not keep any pet or animal of any kind on the Premises without obtaining prior written consent from the Landlord. Consent is contingent upon the Tenant(s) satisfactorily completing an annual pet screening process through (https://bestrentalservices.petscreening.com/). The screening includes an assessment fee of $30.00 via Credit Card or $25.00 via ACH, except for service animals, which are exempt from fees.
  2. Pet Requirements:
    Any pet kept on the Premises must be neutered/spayed, maintain current vaccinations, and achieve a minimum FIDO score of 4 or higher. The Landlord reserves the right to approve or deny any pet based on the restrictions listed in the application. No aggressive breeds or mixed breeds. No Puppies under 12 Months of age. No history of bite incidences or aggressive behavior. Pets must be up to date on vaccinations. Pets must be neutered as offspring are not permitted.
  3. Fees and Deposits:
    A non-refundable pet fee of $300.00 per pet and a monthly pet rent of $20.00 per pet shall be levied. This fee does not negate the Tenant(s)' obligation to pay for any damages caused by the pet(s).
  4. Pet Limitations:
    In Single Family Homes, a maximum of two (2) pets each weighing no more than 35 pounds are permitted. In Apartments or Shared Unit Dwellings, one (1) pet weighing no more than 25 pounds is permitted. Prohibited breeds include those commonly restricted by homeowner insurance policies.
  5. Conduct and Control:
    Tenant(s) must ensure that the pet(s) are leashed at all times when outside of the premises and are not permitted to roam freely. Pets must not be left unattended in common areas, including but not limited to balconies and hallways.
  6. Sanitation and Damage:
    Tenant(s) shall bear full responsibility for the immediate and proper removal and sanitary disposal of all pet excreta generated by their pet(s), both within the interior confines of the Premises and in all exterior areas, including but not limited to, private yards and common areas of the property. This obligation extends to ensuring that all such areas are kept free from pet waste to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.
    • Indoor Responsibility: In the event of pet waste within the rented property, the tenant(s) must promptly clean and sanitize the affected area.
    • Outdoor Responsibility: For pet waste in outdoor areas, including private yards and shared common spaces, Tenant(s) must ensure immediate collection and proper disposal. This is particularly critical in Shared Unit Dwellings where common areas are used by multiple residents.
    • Non-Compliance Penalties: Failure to adhere to these sanitation requirements will incur a minimum fee of $200.00, in addition to the actual costs incurred for the removal and cleaning of the affected areas per occurrence.
    • Damage Liability: Beyond sanitation, Tenant(s) are fully liable for the cost of repairing or replacing any part of the Premises, including but not limited to, fixtures, furnishings, and landscaping, damaged by the pet(s). This liability covers all forms of pet-induced damage and the associated restoration costs to return the affected area or item to its original condition.
  7. Policy Enforcement:
    The Landlord reserves the exclusive right to demand the removal of any pet(s) from the Premises within a period of seven (7) calendar days following the issuance of a written notice to the Tenant(s). This notice may be issued under any of the following circumstances, which constitute a breach of this Addendum:
    • Noise Disturbance: Complaints or reports of excessive noise caused by the pet(s), such as persistent barking or howling, that disrupt the peace and comfort of other residents or neighbors.
    • Sanitation and Damage Issues: Failure to adhere to the sanitation requirements as specified in Section 6, or any incident of property damage attributed to the pet(s).
    • Aggressive Behavior: Any reports or instances of aggressive or threatening behavior by the pet(s) towards other residents, guests, neighbors, service personnel, or the Landlord's staff.
    • Non-Compliance with Pet Restrictions: Violation of any specific pet restrictions outlined in this Addendum, including but not limited to, breed restrictions, weight limits, and the number of pets allowed.
    In the event of non-compliance with a notice to remove the pet(s), the Tenant(s) shall be considered in violation of the Lease Agreement. The Landlord may then initiate eviction proceedings against the Tenant(s) or Tenant(s) guests in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Furthermore, the Landlords may seek legal redress for any damages, costs, or losses incurred as a result of the Tenant(s)' breach of this Addendum, including but not limited to legal fees, repair costs, and any other associated expenses.

    The Landlord's decision to enforce any aspect of this policy shall be at their sole discretion, and the failure to enforce any specific term or condition of this Addendum at any time shall not constitute a waiver of the Landlord's right to enforce any part of this Addendum at a later date.
  8. Additional Provisions:
    The breeding of pets on the premises is strictly prohibited. Any offspring will result in an immediate breach of the Lease Agreement. This Pet Policy is subject to revocation at any time at the Landlord's discretion.
  9. Acknowledgment:
    Tenant(s) acknowledge that they have read, understand, and agree to abide by all terms and conditions outlined in this Pet Policy Addendum. Failure to comply with these terms may result in termination of the Lease Agreement and additional legal action.