--- title: Get Back the Deposit by Preventing Pet Damage When Leasing a Home description: By taking a few proactive steps, you can get your damage deposit back and be a responsible pet owner. Here are some ways to prevent damage to your rental home. image: https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/shutterstock_112951720.jpg --- [![Group 5068](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Group%205068.svg "Group 5068")](https://www.hometeampm.com) - [About](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Our Company It’s been over 20 years and our goal hasn’t changed](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Our Team Meet the Home Team Property Management Team](https://www.hometeampm.com/our-team) - [Why Choose Us No matter your property management goals, we will get you there](https://www.hometeampm.com/why-choose-us) - [Careers Take a look at our open positions and feel free to submit an application if your experience is a match](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/about-hpm) - [Vendors We are continually seeking out qualified, professional vendors to fulfill goods or maintenance contracts](https://www.hometeampm.com/about/vendor-relations) - [Connect With Us Reach out to our expert team to see how we can assist you with your property management needs](https://www.hometeampm.com/contact-us) - [Testimonials Read HomeTeam Property Management client testimonials here](https://www.hometeampm.com/testimonials) - [MANAGEMENT SERVICES](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services) - [Residential View our residential property management services](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/residential-management) - [Commercial View our commercial property management services](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/commercial-management) - [Marketing View how we market your property to prospective tenants](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/marketing) - [Accounting We specialize in complete financial services for our property owners](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/accounting) - [Maintenance Property maintenance is one of the most important aspects of maximizing your investment](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/maintenance) - [Leasing Our leasing department utilizes the latest in application and credit screening procedures](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/leasing) - [Free Rental Analysis Get a free rental valuation of your investment property](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services) - [Get a Quote Learn how much it would cost to manage your property](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/getting-started) - [OWNERS](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners) - [Marketing Your Property Learn how we market your property to ensure the maximum exposure to qualified buyers](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/marketing-your-property) - [Renting Your Property We provide you with guidance on how to ready your property to compete in the ever-changing rental market](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/renting-your-property) - [Maintaining Your Property The best approach to maintenance is preventative maintenance, and this is HomeTeam Property Management policy](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/maintaining-your-property) - [No - Eviction Guarantee We are so confident in our tenant selection process that we include a No-Eviction Guarantee](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners/no-eviction-guarantee) - [Free Rental Analysis Get a free rental valuation of your investment property](https://www.hometeampm.com/owners) - [Owner Portal Login Sign-in to monitor your account](https://hometeam.appfolio.com/oportal/users/log_in) - [Get a Quote Learn how much it would cost to manage your property](https://www.hometeampm.com/management-services/getting-started) - [TENANTS](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants) - [Rental Search Find your next place to live in San Diego](https://www.hometeampm.com/properties) - [Tenant Portal Login Sign-in to monitor your account](https://hometeam.appfolio.com/connect/users/sign_in) - [Pay Your Rent Paying rent on time has never been easier](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/pay-your-rent) - [Future Tenants Important information for tenants wanting to lease a property from HomeTeam](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/future-tenants) - [Move Out We want your move-out to be a pleasant and successful one](https://www.hometeampm.com/tenants/move-out) - [Notice To Vacate Moving out? 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Instead of frantically steam cleaning carpet or looking up ways to hide pet stains, consider preventing pet damage as a renter. According to an [article](http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/pets-housing-renter-tips.html) by thehumanesociety.org, pets are an important part of any family. Landlords love pets too, but don’t want to deal with property loss and damage due to neglect or carelessness. Sadly, the Humane Society points out that housing problems is the No. 1 reason people turn their pets into animal shelters. By taking a few proactive steps, you can ensure your pet doesn’t disturb neighbors or damage your San Diego County rental home or apartment. Depending on the breed and size of your pet, it could be more difficult to find a rental home. Experts with the Humane Society recommend showing a letter of reference from a past landlord as well as proof that your dog attended a training class. Keeping spayed and neutered information as well as vaccination background also helps. Don’t sign a lease that forbids pets if you intend to keep a pet at a San Diego County rental home.   **Preventing cat scratching** If you own a cat, prevent destructive scratching by giving your cat appropriate toys. Any cats scratch to remove the outer layer of their claws. It’s a normal and instinctive behavior. Provide a scratching post so your cat does not scratch the carpet or wood in the home. Other ideas include attaching cotton balls soaked in citrus or menthol scents in places where you don’t want them to scratch. Keep your cat groomed as well by trimming the claws. As far as litter box problems, keep it clean so your cat does not decide to eliminate in another spot. The rule is to use one litter box for each cat. Pet experts point out that most cats like the fine-grained litters, but look for clumping litter that you can easily scoop up. Outdoor cats often gravitate to houseplants, but avoid messes by putting rocks on the top of the soil. **Keeping your dog occupied** If you own a dog, prevent damage to your rental home by keeping your dog occupied whether you are home or away. An [article](http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3518318/Stop-dog-destroying-home-Never-guilt-leaving-pet-sense-anxious-wreak-havoc.html) by dailymail.co.uk, points out that some dogs experience separation anxiety which leads them to jump on the windowsill or damage your home. Some ideas include using baby gates to keep your dog in his or her area of the home. Let your dog out a lot. Even if you live in a rental home with a fenced yard, take your dog for frequent walks. Dog chews, dog toys and soft background music help keep your dog calm. Some dog owners leave the television on for the dog while they are at work. If you need more help preventing pet damage, look into doggy day care. Hiring a pet walker is another proactive move. Before putting in a dog flap or doggy door, talk to your landlord. As far as exotic pets, always check with a landlord about the specifics. If your landlord allows you to keep an exotic pet, make sure you use the proper cages or keep the pet secure. Responsible pet ownership goes a long way in creating trust when leasing a home. Also, keeping your pets happy and quiet makes you a good neighbor. At HomeTeam Property Management, we help people find beautiful rental homes for their leasing needs in San Diego County. Whether you are looking for a home to rent or have a rental home, please contact us. We also specialize in property management, helping rental property owners protect their assets and enforce leases. ![icon](https://www.hometeampm.com/hubfs/Home_Team_2022/Group%205168%20(1).svg) #### SUBSCRIBE TO RECEIVE THE LATEST NEWS Stay in the know with the latest news form the leaders in property management ### Subscribe Here! ### Popular Posts #### The Great Pet Debate: To Allow Pets In Your... | HomeTeam Property Management | 30 January 2020 When you become a landlord, it is up to you to decide what you will... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/great-pet-debate-allow-pets-in-apartment) #### What Counts as a Rental Home Maintenance... | HomeTeam Property Management | 11 November 2020 Tenants are often shy about calling for repairs from their landlords... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/what-counts-as-a-rental-home-maintenance-emergency) #### How Many Pets Should Be Permitted Inside Your... | HomeTeam Property Management | 16 June 2020 It's estimated that 67% of all families in the U.S. own at least one... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/how-many-pets-should-be-permitted-inside-your-property) ## SIMILAR POSTS #### 5 Ways to Recover Pet-Damaged Floors Before Your Next Inspection | HomeTeam Property Management  | 20 January 2021 Renting a home is a careful balance between being comfortable at home and caring for the property.... [READ FULL POST](https://www.hometeampm.com/blog/5-ways-to-recover-pet-damaged-floors-before-your-next-inspection) #### Leasing a Home with Children? Avoid the ‘Bad Renter’ Label | HomeTeam Property Management  | 14 February 2012 Landlords can’t discriminate against tenants with children, but unruly, destructive children often... 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