We all love our pets, but...
At our home we have two wonderful beagles. In our eyes they can do no wrong -- well, almost. Both are obedience and crate trained. The perfect dogs, right? Not always. They have their moments! Why? Because they are animals first, then our loving companions.
Renting with pets can be somewhat of a challenge for both
tenants and property owners. Many places do not allow pets for
several reasons, most often the fear of damage. Landlords are
also wary of liability issues. If an animal bites, the owner
is held responsible, and, in some cases, so is the landlord.
Even the most well-behaved pet can have accidents or get sick. Others are uncomfortable in unfamiliar surroundings and can suffer from separation anxiety or boredom. Sick dogs and cats can soil the carpet. Anxious and bored animals may damage doors, windows, anything they can find.
Confinement helps reduce damage to the living quarters and increases safety for the pet. Some landlords prefer that potential tenants crate their pets. Unfortunately, many people do not understand the concept behind crate training, a common practice we have used on our two dogs since they were six weeks old. As a result, the animal is left to roam the unit or is confined to a room. This poses some serious problems for the property owner.
There are times when the landlord or repair people must enter the unit on an emergency basis. If an animal is left to run free, it may escape the building or pose a threat to people who must make repairs.
Unless a dog is conformation quality and is suitable for breeding, there is no reason it cannot be spayed or neutered. The benefits of altering an animal far outweigh the negatives.
A size restriction may be placed on dogs for obvious reasons, often 20 pounds for an adult dog. The larger the dog, the more space it will require. Many apartments do not have a yard. Duplexes and four-plexes may, but the neighbors must be taken into consideration. Most property owners do not allow outdoor kennels, so dogs must be house pets and be of a reasonable size. Tethering a dog for an unreasonable length of time is cruel and should not be tolerated.
If you are renting and are considering getting a beagle, think about it very hard. They can adapt, but many a dog has found its way to the animal shelter because tenants cannot find proper housing. Your current landlord may be wonderful, but caring for a pet is a life-long commitment, and you will eventually move. Will your next landlord be as accepting? Maybe. Maybe not.
PET POLICY
PET POLICYAll cats must be litter trained, declawed, spayed or neutered. All dogs must be less than 20 pounds, spayed or neutered and preferably kennel trained. All pets must have a proven and traceable track record with other landlords as to their good behavior and owner's maintenance responsibilities. All pets must be current on vaccinations and have written documentation of this from a licensed veterinarian. The landlord or his agent has the right to observe the pet's size and temperament before applications are accepted. The number of pets allowed and the acceptance of animals will be left to the discretion of the landlord. Animals specially trained to assist those with disabilities are not considered pets and are exempt from this policy. An additional $100 deposit (higher for some units) is required for all tenants who care for pets in their units, AND a $25 pet rent is assessed monthly in addition to the base rent of the unit.
Tenants Ten Commandments for Renting with Pets
I promise I will...
1. Faithfully pick up after my pet, including yard waste.
2. Exercise my pet regularly in an area meant for that purpose.
3. Make sure my pet is confined, preferably in a kennel, to keep my pet safe and help control potential damage.
4. Introduce my pet to my neighbors. Many people are wary
of unfamiliar animals.
5. Not leave my pet outside when I'm not home.
6. Have someone who can look in on my pet if I am away for long periods of time, or I will arrange for boarding during vacation times.
7. Report all pet damage immediately so the landlord can minimize the cost of repairs. I will not attempt repairs myself without authorization from my landlord.
8. Control pet odor. This is a BIG complaint of many landlords/neighbors.
9. Control barking. Probably the BIGGEST complaint from neighbors.
10. NEVER SNEAK A PET INTO MY UNIT WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE OWNER!