Typically, only residential leases have clauses specifically addressing companion animals like dogs. Commercial leases usually don’t talk about animals or pets at all. However, that has begun to change.
Pet ownership has been on the rise in the United States in recent years, and many professionals dislike the idea of leaving their beloved companion animals at home all day while they work. If you are about to lease office space or retail space, should you consider asking your landlord to include a clause that allows pets?
The benefits of a pet clause
If your landlord agrees to accommodate employees’ animals at the rental space, that could make your company’s job openings much more attractive to many professionals. Being able to bring your dog with you to the office if the animal behaves properly is an attractive benefit that many people would jump at the opportunity to have. Additionally, pets can attract customers to retail spaces and can give your company a very friendly, community-oriented feel.
The risks of asking for a pet clause in your lease
The first and most obvious concern is that the landlord will not only be unreceptive but may no longer be willing to rent to you out of concern that you could bring animals into the building anyway.
It’s also possible that you may have to pay more for the space if you ask for that additional accommodation from the landlord. The landlord could also increase the rental costs they intend to charge you or expect you to carry even more insurance while renting the space.
Learning about the different terms you can add to a commercial lease can help you negotiate for the most favorable ones possible.