PETS VS. SERVICE ANIMALS – WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE FOR FORT LAUDERDALE RENTAL HOMES?

Appfolio Websites • February 23, 2017

There is a legal difference between pets and service animals, and it’s important that you understand that difference when you’re renting out a property. A pet is just what it is – a pet. You can allow dogs, cats, birds, or other animals that are pets in your property. We recommend that if you do decide to allow pets, you create a pet addendum for your lease. Work with the attorney who helped you prepare your lease agreement, and include the property pet addendum to your lease agreement so you have everything in writing.

Pet Deposits and Fees

It’s customary to request a deposit for tenants who are moving in with pets. Sometimes in addition to the deposit or instead of the deposit, people will require a pet fee that’s paid every month. This is like a pet rent that will be paid throughout the term of the lease. A pet fee does not have to be returned to the tenant. However, a pet deposit is like a security deposit, and it will have to go back to the tenant if there are no damages at the end of the lease term. The tenant should sign the pet addendum acknowledging responsibility for any damages made by the pet.

Service Animals

A service animal is different than a pet. A service animal provides assistance for a person who is physically or mentally handicapped or needs psychological support. This animal is

protected under federal law. You cannot ask a tenant to pay deposits or fees if they have a service animal. But you can request the proper service animal registration. We also suggest a service animal addendum. Most people don’t do this, but you cannot use a pet addendum for the service animal. So, we recommend that you draft it with your attorney to protect you from damages.

If you have any questions about your pet policy, service animals, or anything regarding Fort Lauderdale property management, please contact us at Florida Property Management Services.

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How Today's Rental Experience is Changing what Tenants Expect

By Gaston Reboredo • July 14, 2026

Finding a great tenant for your single-family rental (SFR) used to rely primarily on a clean property and a well-placed "For Rent" sign. Today, the leasing journey begins long before anyone steps through the front door. Today’s renters expect the same convenience and speed from their housing search that they experience online every day, changing how property owners connect with and keep residents. First impressions are solidified online. According to a Zillow Report , 86% of renters now research and narrow down their housing options entirely online, with a growing segment choosing to skip traditional in-person tours altogether. Media-rich listings, transparent pricing, and comprehensive digital layouts seem to no longer be optional. If a property lacks a professional online footprint, many renters will simply scroll past. Convenience also continues to remain a deciding factor. Prospective tenants typically expect fast communication and frictionless leasing processes. The Buildium Industry Report highlights this heightened bar for responsiveness, noting that 48% of single-family renters now demand a response to inquiries within the same day. Utilizing automated workflows, online applications, and digital lease signings keeps high-quality applicants engaged before they pivot to a competitor. With all this in mind, the modern rental experience does not end at move-in. Long-term investor profitability relies heavily on tenant retention, which is deeply influenced by day-to-day operations. Recent SFR Software Reports confirms that professional maintenance management is the primary driver of resident satisfaction, revealing that satisfied residents are 72% more likely to renew their leases. Offering tools like online rent payments and easy maintenance tracking may help improve the resident experience and support stronger tenant satisfaction over time. As your property management partner, we take care of the operational details so you can focus on your investment goals. While property upgrades can add value, creating a smooth, tech-enabled rental experience is just as important in today’s market. Meeting tenant expectations from the first click to lease renewal can help attract quality applicants, reduce turnover, and support stronger rental returns.